One Epic Disaster (and why it matters for DietBet)

Posted on January 1, 2016

This week has been a doozie.

I made the decision to do DietBet and the earth rejoiced by sending a brilliant ice storm that snapped off magnificent old trees like twigs and left the majority of my community in the dark (literally) for 3 days and nights. Doesn't sound like a long time per se, but when you are sleeping in a strange bed without proper luggage, dreaming of your ever-increasing to-do list back home, it feels like an eternity.

I haven't been so cold (or tired or discouraged) in recent memory.

One night, instead of counting sheep, I lay in bed and began ticking through the reasons this is not the right time for me to do DietBet:

I am busy.
I'm a working mom.
I have a massive project due April 1.
My house is a mess.
What if I fail?
I'm tired.
I don't know what I'm doing.
(Did I mention my basement/family room flooded during the ice storm?)

And then I had a thought--one of those aha moments Oprah's always singing about--and I realized this craziness is my normal. Oh, maybe next week it won't be a flood, but it'll probably be something else. If I keep waiting for the right time to get healthy, it'll never happen.

I've spent 35 years waiting for the right time and look where it's gotten me. I must figure out how to get healthy and make right choices in the midst of the mess.

Curve balls or not, it's now or never.

Comment Now!

Sheryl J.

01/02/2016 1:22PM

It is good you recognize the reasons this may be tough. So let us know what exercise you decide to add. What can you do at work? Park further out in the parking lot? Do stairs during lunch? Pack healthy lunches? Find what works for you and MAKE IT WORK. You just got through a stressful week which is an accomplishment in itself! Good luck.

Kristine likes this comment.

Kristine

Thanks, Sheryl! I am going to add swimming! I used to love swimming and would like to get back into it. And I primarily work from home, so my goal is to wear my FitBit and add steps throughout the day however I can. Thanks for your kind encouragement!

Kathy H.

01/02/2016 12:16PM

I'm sorry you've had such a bad week! But you will get through it... we always do. I recently heard a commercial - can't remember which one - say "If not now, when?" I keep having that run through my mind when I'm thinking of putting off something, anything. I'm hoping that it will keep me on track. Sounds like you are already there. Cheers to a great first week of staying on track and competing with ourselves to do what we know we can do. All the best. =) Kathy

Barbara B.

01/02/2016 6:43AM

You got this! And you're spot on! I don't know that the "perfect time" was created when God did the in the beginning stuff. I am having struggles too....not the severe weather...but you have fellow DietBetters who understand.Keep us posted and here hoping spring comes fast!B~

Kristine likes this comment.

Kristine

Thank you so much, Barbara! Your words mean so much this morning. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I, too, will pray for spring! Only 77 days and 14 hours. Haha!

Nina

01/02/2016 3:57AM

Kristine, wow! You sound like one determined, hard-working lady, who knows how to jump hurdles, dodge curveballs and come out "smelling like a rose" in the end! Obviously, you have proven to yourself that you can do hard, unpleasant-but necessary things! Use that same tenacity and grit to get you to your next health goal. I have know doubt that you will get there. Blessings on you!

Nina

Sorry for typos! I really should proofread more or wear reading glasses- or BOTH!

Kristine

Juanita, your comment brought tears to my eyes. I think you are giving me a LOT of credit, but I appreciate your faith that I can do this. I will certainly give it all that I have! Thank you for leaving this encouragement on the post! I will treasure it.

adrienne121

01/01/2016 9:47PM

OH MY GOODNESS!!! An ice storm??? WOW!!! I'm sooo sorry to hear about everything you're going through right now Kristine!!! I hope & pray things turn around for you & your family & you see better days soon. And you're right: Something's always gonna be going on in your life, whether it's stress-related or just having a super busy schedule. No matter what's going on, you have to take time out for yourself & DO YOU!!! I'm glad you had an aha moment. Now, regardless to what's going on, you're gonna try to focus on you. Good for you!!! Good luck in this challenge!!! SENDING A BIG VIRTUAL HUG FILLED WITH LOVE YOUR WAY!!! By the way, where do you live???

Kristine likes this comment.

Kristine

You are incredibly kind, Adrienne. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and leave a comment. Here's a big virtual hug in return! :) I live in Illinois. (Great state when it isn't frozen! Ha!) Thanks, again, for your words. Happy to do this journey with you!

adrienne121

Kristine, thanks for your kind words!!! I saw your post & had to read and comment on it. Thank you for sharing what you're going through with us. I know you're going through a tough time right now, & I pray by GOD's grace, things get better very soon. I can't even recall if we've ever had an ice storm in Brooklyn, NY. That sounds SCARY!!! We've gotten 30+ inches of snow (and more), but no ice storm. I know Illinois gets cold, but ice storm??? Wow!!! Please take care of yourself, & stay safe!!! Got your hug too!!! :-)