In conversation with my sister, we decided that keeping healthy is easy. We’ll just find all the things we wouldn’t do anyway and add them to our “refraining in the name of health” list.
Lisa and I often have to-do lists and when we find that our day has been filled with activities that weren’t on our original list, we add them after the fact and mark them off immediately. A much deeper sense of satisfaction that berating yourself for not getting the other things on your list complete!
So, back to the things I’m giving up for my health:
• I won’t be running in ultra-marathons — those people are nuts, just my humble opinion! [The annual Roswell-tree is more my style which includes breakfast with fun participants after the race is complete. This year, we also get tiaras!]
• I won’t be bungie jumping or base jumping — to repeat myself, nuts! JMHO
[Now, the YogaSwing… that is fun!]
• No competitive eating
[I eat for pleasure … or for stress relief. Neither of which would be served in this sport. Although, I remember when I was a kid and eating cherries from my grandmother’s backyard tree. My brother, sister and I looked like we were doing a little competitive eating from the cherry juice staining our mouth and hands!]
What are you giving up for health? Here are some other things I may add to my list. (Thanks to those who answered my LinkedIn question!)
Extreme parachute snow skiing; freestyle stunt and trick street motorcycle riding; mosh pits; sky-diving; leaping off tall buildings
Add your comment below, but make sure it is something you wouldn’t do anyway!
vanessalowry.com 
July 10, 2009 at 5:36 pm |
Vanessa,
LOVE the idea of “after-the-fact” list making. I’m going to add that to MY list of things to do!
But seriously, that makes a lot of sense. Your idea brings to mind the old saying “the best laid plans…”. Even the best of To Do lists can’t possibly foresee life’s unexpected detours. I suspect the hard-core time management experts would chide a person for not staying focused, but where’s the fun in that? Sometimes we need to let those “distractions” take us away for a few moments to let us regroup or reenergize. Besides, I often get my best ideas when in the park or grocery store.
Now, if I could just get better organized and remember to have a pen and paper with me during those times….
July 10, 2009 at 5:43 pm |
Yes, I end up writing on all kinds of stuff. Luckily have a pad of paper in the car for tracking mileage, so have “car” paper. Lots of post-it notes at the house. One of the best inventions ever!
July 10, 2009 at 6:44 pm |
Also liked the idea of putting down the unscheduled successes of the day. They occur every day and are too often overlooked. I know I tend to dwell on my defeats more than celebrate the successes. I once worked for a mean old colonel who used to say “We don’t often get the chance for a big, sweeping win. Look to achieve many little victories.”
July 10, 2009 at 6:49 pm |
Hmmm, I like the way your mean old colonel thinks!