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Thank you, Life, I have enough lemons now

[ 7 ] 09/09/2011 |

A friend told me last night that she had taken a personality test that told her she was a perfectionist. I nodded in agreement.

“I am not,” she said.

“Oh, you so totally are,” I replied.

That conversation made me think a bit, and I fully admit to being a perfectionist as well. I won’t sing karaoke at a bar because some of those people  are good and I’m not. When I paint, if the smallest detail doesn’t look right, I scrap the whole thing. I know this is a quirky thing about me, and for the most part I don’t mind it. But while thinking about this, I admitted that in my journey to live a healthier life, I became a perfectionist. For me, this was a very dangerous path to take.

See, I became a bit obsessed with my goal weight. So much so that if I didn’t lose or even gained a bit, I beat myself up quite a bit. What had been thrilling adventure to me had turned into something so frustrating. I had become so frustrated that I began that old habit of beating myself up.

I decided to quit weighing myself on a regular basis. I learned to become OK with not weighing myself on a regular basis. I realized that life was throwing things at me and LOSING weight could not be my focus at that moment. I had to do the best I could to live healthily. I was happy with that.

I’ve been frustrated lately as well. This year has been a tough one for exercise for me. I feel like I’ve been sick or injured for a lot of the year. I see you all training for half marathons, marathons and triathlons and I’m so very proud of you all. I want to jump in and join you, yet every time I try to begin training, something happens. Life has been throwing me lemons, and I have been very down about it.

Last night, I realized in my conversation with my friend that being this perfectionist when it comes to my journey to life a healthy life is just not logical. I’m doing the best I can with what life is throwing at me and all I can do is keep trying. All I can do is begin to train all over again and make lemonade with those lemons. I’m happy with that.

I see some of you beat yourself up as well when life pegs you in the head with those lemons. As hard as it is, try not to. It isn’t worth it. Do the best you can, and never give up trying. We’re all proud of you for doing your best. Remember, we’ll all get there. Together.

 

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Category: April, MIND IT, The Sisterhood

About april: I'm a brand new cyclist! In just a few short months, the sport has reminded me that it's all about the journey, and I need to enjoy the ride. I live with my two dogs and two birds, and love to spoil my nephew. Oh yeah, and I'm 32. View author profile.

  • Anonymous

    Well said, April.  I think we’d all be a lot happier if we could relax just a bit and not worry about being perfect all the time.

  • Anonymous

    Dealing with life is all part of the overall journey! Making ourselves do the best we can “right now” is part of learning to live life! None of us are perfect!

  • Erin

    Yes. This. I’ve been struggling with my running lately, wondering why in the beginning of July, I could run four miles without stopping… and these days, I struggle to get through two without a break. But the thing is, if I’m out there running regardless of where my endurance is, I should just be happy with it.

    • http://frugaltrophywife.com Brooke F

      i would like to add that if you’ve been running outside in elevated temperatures that could be affecting your endurance.

      you’re out there making yourself more healthy - nothing at all to be frustrated with!

  • Nancy

    This post is like you are reading my mind.  I so need to calm down and just take a deep breath.  I’m trying to run again and any little thing that doesn’t go right, I am jumping down my own neck.  I don’t have to be perfect……

    • http://frugaltrophywife.com Brooke F

      nope, we like you just as you are {{{hugs}}}

  • http://frugaltrophywife.com Brooke F

    {{{{hugs}}}}} is it any wonder i big puffy heart you with extra pink sprinkles??