The Power of NOW

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2005
The Power of NOW
4
Mon, 08-06-2007 - 6:58pm

I read this in a friend's blog and thought it applies to so many many things in our lives. Of course for my sports - but also for dating, relationships, raising kids, our challenges, etc. Thought I would share:

"I’ve always thought that I focused on the part of the task at hand because I was incapable of conceiving of the whole. Running well for 26.2 miles off the bike is unthinkable. Making a decent effort running to the next aid station though is manageable. 6 x 4 min intervals on the bike is an amount of pain that I just can’t think about. Finishing THIS interval is doable. But there’s more to it than that. Why even think about the whole interval, the next aid station … just focus on doing absolutely the best that you can … right now. So much easier. “The power of now”. Actually, I did ride some of those intervals harder than I thought that I could."

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2004
Mon, 08-06-2007 - 7:05pm

That's kind of like what I always called "baby steps" whenever I've tried to lose weight or get fit. I can't turn from a couch potato into an athlete in one swift move! (Though wouldn't it be great if we COULD?!?) It takes a slow road of commitment and determination. Of both setbacks and truimphs to eventually get there.

Thanks for sharing!

~shrimpy

~shrimpy

"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse." ~Stephen Dolley Jr.

~<

Avatar for myprecioustwo
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2003
Thu, 08-09-2007 - 12:18pm

I think this thread should get bumped back on top again. Especially, since some of us are having a bleak week or not feeling we are doing good enough or could be doing more.

This kind of links to Alison's fitness thread, but as Judy stated, it fits to more then that. It's an overall trying not to over do it, but being the best you can.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2005
Thu, 08-09-2007 - 1:03pm
I think for me it is not looking at the whole picture and breaking it down into chunks. For example, when I look at the whole week my coach gives, I freak. But when I take it day by day I am okay. When I think of the whole school year with DS and how stressful it is to coordinate with his father who travels and changes the schedule and is generally a flake about being dependable, I get frustrated. But when I take it week by week I am okay. Ditto with dating, cleaning the house, getting a lot done at work, getting along with my mom. Take it day by day and live in the now.
Avatar for myprecioustwo
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2003
Thu, 08-09-2007 - 1:08pm

I laughed when I read this: getting along with my mom

I can SO relate to that.

I know once the children return on Monday life will have to be dealt minute by minute. :)

I think it's important to remember taking little bits at time and to not think of the overall picture. It can really be overwhelming and you then put a huge amount of stress and negativity on yourself, which affects your entire well being and balanced aura.

Wooo, I'm getting heavy on the aura stuff!