Nearly everyone has had had periods in their lives—some longer than others—where they have gone without exercise. We all fall prey to the demands of work, family, illness, or injury. Sometimes, it’s just a big, bad case of “I don’t want to.” For many of my patients, admitting that they’ve hit one one these periods is a source of shame. It shouldn’t be!
I’ve come to believe that what separates those who successfully embrace the fitness lifestyle from those who don’t is personal forgiveness. Those who succeed recognize that any experience—no matter how brief, or ego-bruising—leaves you a little stronger. They let go of what they didn’t do, leaving them free to apply their energies to what they’re going to do next.
Source: CNN
No one exemplifies this attitude greater than Diana Nyad. Here’s a woman that had an audacious goal to swim from Cuba to Florida, at the age of 62. When an unexpected and prolonged asthma attack required her to stop her attempt last month, she was profoundly disappointed. But not long after, she came to look at that 29 hour experience as, in the words of one reporter, an “unplanned dress rehearsal.” And now, only a month later, she’s at it again.
As I type, she’s about a third of the way to her goal. She’s already been stung by jellyfish and received treatment for her labored breathing. But she’s still pressing on, because these are things she’s dealt with before. She’s learned from them, and she’s stronger for it.
I have no idea if she’ll make it to Florida or not, but I’m certain that when she hits the end of her road, she’ll know herself a little bit better. What a wonderful feeling it must be, to look back on your life and not have to wonder what could have been possible! And all for recognizing that while bumps in the road can knock you off the wagon, they’re also handy for giving yourself a boost back onto it.
Go Diana!
So...What's Your Excuse? 