"Good Advice"

I generally believe that I know most things I need to do to get the very most out of my life, whether it's related to my work, my training, my mental health or my family life..... but rarely do I listen to myself. Perhaps that's because of the nagging little uncertainties or maybe fears associated with actually carrying through with the actions you believe make sense. I think I've hit on a way to improve on that shortcoming. Find someone else who you trust and who can perhaps relate to your challenges and sound out your ideas by presenting them to that other person. I found that in doing so my stupid ideas quickly seperated themselves from the better ones simply as a result of speaking them out loud. Not to mention the added value of that persons reaction as they either support or question your reasoning.

So today I'm really grateful to sister Mary for listening to my ramblings. I had one of the most rewarding days I've had in months just because of the time we spent together. I see things more clearly than I did this morning. I'm still afraid of my own advice, because inevitably the smart thing to do has some short term pain associated with it, and I don't like pain! Of course that's why we don't do many of the things that our gut tells us is the smart thing in the long run. And yet despite those fears I have a greater confidence in my own instincts, and a greater resolve to live by them than I did yesterday.

It actually started out as a good day even before I met with Mary, as my run went just super this morning. I wore that lighter brace I mentioned and it was barely noticeable. My knee pain was negligible enough to be considered non-existent. So as promised I declare myself "off the shelf". Of course we'll now see if I learned anything through this little trial. The clear message is that I absolutely need to maintain the discipline to stretch and strengthen my old muscles if I expect them to take care of me over time. I have not done my routine yet today but I promise to drag my butt to the basement before I crash for the night. Tomorrow I intend on a bigger test by riding for 2 1/2-3 hours.

And that's about all for today. Rest well my treasured friends and family.

I wish to dedicate day 104 to Mary's Denise who has become such an important part of her family.

and for today at least......
"I can see clearly now the rain has gone; I can see all obstacles in my way"---Johnny Nash

and one I have half accomplished.....
"One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything."---Georg C Lichtenberg

love
peter