Plateau. What a nasty word. At least valley implies
mountains on each side, an eventual climb to higher ground. Plateau on the
other hand just sounds lonely and, for lack of a better word, ewwy. I have
discovered that after the initial fascination with a new exercise plan, my
determination has begun to ebb. Let’s be honest, it’s basically non-existent. I
still work out, sure, because not doing so makes me feel like lumpy fluff, but
it just isn’t very fun anymore. Hmm, do I sense the emergence of a new term? If
this is the end of what I’ll call the honeymoon stage, what is the appropriate
name for its successor? Let’s discuss.
Okay, Honeymoon Stage. Near-obsession, eagerness to test the
limits of one’s stamina, deliberately ignoring little annoyances (aches,
cramps, etc.), adherence to strict rules of behavior, extreme soreness. Check.
Imposition of Reality. Re-emergence of life and its
obligations, fatigue, boredom, general removal of rose-colored spectacles, just
no fun. Yep, Imposition of Reality it is.
What then is a good solution? While I have zero experience
with how to fix a marriage, I would tell any friend of mine experiencing these
symptoms in any relationship (dating, friendship, bromance) to go back to what
they loved about the beginning of that relationship. What did you enjoy doing
together? What drew you to that person? Find what made things fun and do it
again. As for fitness, what did you enjoy doing when you were young? I loved
walks with my family, tennis, soccer, playing at the pool, throwing the
football, and especially neighborhood games. Sardines, baby!! It doesn’t have
to be all business, structured and boring and just blah, it can be pure and
enjoyable again.
Another cure for the dreaded plateau? Encouragement in large
doses. Getting it, giving it, anything it. I have had many discussions with
friends lately about how to encourage strangers who look like they just need a
little help on their evening run. How do I cheer them on without them thinking
I’m mocking them? Still haven’t figured that one out, but I can definitely
cheer on the people around me in tons of ways. I can’t adequately describe the
feeling I get when I receive a sweet note or unexpected text just to encourage
me from a friend, but it is so wonderful. And when I am able to return the
favor the feeling is just as great. Engaging with people and letting them know
how you’re doing and what you need blesses both you and them. It just feels
good to know someone cares about you. Go give someone else that feeling. (I’m
talking to myself, not yelling at you.) Go make someone smile, Prentice!
Char thoughts:
- I ate a lot of chocolate this week – Finally saw the
preview for the series finale of Desperate Housewives…hallelujah – Every time I
smell fresh corn on the cob it reminds me of shucking corn on the steps at the
lake – Everybody’s getting married – I am stunned by how blessed I am –
Multiple people have told me I rarely complain, so either Char totally blew my
complaining out of proportion or she’s still the only person I complain to.
Definitely the latter. And if I’m not complaining it’s because I want to be the
cool girl who doesn’t complain and I know that if I start I’ll never stop –
Jesus is really cool -
