Have you ever noticed that it takes forever to get into a good habit but almost no time to fall out of it. This week I was back hiking my beloved Dish trail after several days away, and it was hard as hell. I mean, really, a few days with only slow paced walking while knocking on doors and I’m huffing and puffing like I never saw the steep, 200 foot ascent that kicks off the loop.
I’ve noticed a similar phenomenon with running. When I train twelve weeks for a slow but persistent half marathon, I end up feeling like I can run 8-9 miles without *much* complaint. But take one week off after the big event and it’s like I’ve never run before. Seriously. That just doesn’t seem fair.
It’s starting to become clear to me that I have to do these things EVERY DAY. I mean every day. That just overwhelming. I’d really like to get fit once and for all and be done with it. Move on to the next thing, you know.
I find the same thing happens with my happiness quotient. I want to set up my life so that I have enough money, friends, love, connection, exercise, meaningful work and fun. Once and for all. And then, I want it to stay that way.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. I have get up every day and weave together a tapestry of things that make my life good. I can’t take a day off, or my brain will start sending signals of fear that I’ll run out of money, never find love, die alone and on and on. The recipe is actually simple. Do more things every day that make me feel alive, connect me with others, and help lighten the load for someone else. Then, my life gets good. Take just one day “off” and things get ugly fast.
So today I’ll do what works and hope for the willingness to try again tomorrow.
Boonedoggler 