One More Step

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SeaRunner
Posts: 352
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:06 am

Post by SeaRunner » Mon May 31, 2010 12:29 pm

Carleen -

Isn't that the truth. Well, if you figure out how to turn off the anticipation, please oh please share it with me! It seems like I spend so much time thinking about what's going to happen that I miss out on much of my life in the present. There's so much of life happening right now, right at this moment in time and I'm losing the joy in that time by worrying about what might happen or what may have happened in the past. What an incredible waste of time. We have to focus on the now. But how do we break this pattern?

Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters

SeaRunner
Posts: 352
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:06 am

Post by SeaRunner » Mon May 31, 2010 12:34 pm

New goal for the day: the weather has cleared up a bit and I feel like going for a bike ride. I'm feeling somewhat anxious and am not excited about going outside. Furthermore, don't want to get too far from home. But if I'm going to get any exercise on my bike, I'm going to have to do both.

So I'm going to get on my bike and just ride for a while. When I'm ready, I'll turn around. I may get nervous, but I'll be okay. And anyway, I'm on a bicycle, so if the adrenaline starts pumping, I'll just pedal harder. There can't be much of a better way to face some anxiety than that, don't you think? At worst, I'll be the guy flying past with his feet moving so quickly they can't be identified by the naked eye, LOL!

Keep making goals folks. Keep pushing. We'll make it through this fighting all the way.

Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters

manofmusic
Posts: 711
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:07 am
Location: Canada

Post by manofmusic » Mon May 31, 2010 1:03 pm

2 days now and no caffeine and no sugar. I've had things like bread which turns to sugar in the body if not used, but I haven't had things with sugar in it. The headaches are here, but they are pretty manageable so far.

I went bike shopping. When did the price of bikes skyrocket ??????? Am I THAT old ????? They don't sell bikes with banana seats anymore. I guess the powers that be frown on double riding. They said that I need a helmet too. I'm going to DRIVE around and price bikes elsewhere. When do bikes go on sale ? I found bikes that go from $300.00 to $3,000 + ! I was amazed and sick all at the same time. I don't want something more expensive then my house. I just want something to let me go from point A to point B without slamming into point C. I saw bikes with thin tires and thick tires and bikes with aluminum stuff on it and bikes with titanium stuff on it and bikes with so little metal on it that it looks like it wouldn't hold anyone on it. I'm not a tiny person, so it would look like I wasn't riding anything at all. Any advice ?

Tomorrow and the rest of the week, I will be concentrating on no sugar and caffeine. Next week, I'll be dealing with the salt. I'm a salty junk food guy.

As I go thru the weeks, I'll learn about bikes. They've come along way since I last bought one. (They even have bikes with motors on them - now we're talkin' !)

manofmusic
Posts: 711
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:07 am
Location: Canada

Post by manofmusic » Mon May 31, 2010 1:13 pm

Jamie - Congratulations on driving on the freeway. I can only imagine what they are like in Seattle (or any other major city.) There were MANY times when I had to take side streets just to get to work. I actually force myself to get into the inside lanes so I can't pull over easily. It was heart-pounding at first, but as I put myself thru it, it became normal again.

Carleen - Just picture all of us cheering you on ! I still get anticipatory anxiety. I had to work (volunteer) at an expo this past weekend. It was nerve wracking walking in not knowing where I'm supposed to be. I volunteered on purpose. I can't live the rest of my life not taking chances. That's boring to be. However, if this was a few years ago, I would've been in bed with the covers over my head. Start by taking small chances and work your way up from there.

Jill - GET YER BUTT IN GEAR AND MAKE A CHANGE !!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

SeaRunner
Posts: 352
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:06 am

Post by SeaRunner » Mon May 31, 2010 3:35 pm

I finished my bike ride. I went about a mile farther than I planned on the east end of my ride and then added an extra five or so miles on the east side of my ride for a round trip of about 17 miles. It felt good to be out once I got going. See? Just more anticipatory anxiety trying to hold me back. I know things won't always work out so nicely, but I know that if I don't put my neck out there I'll be stuck in this pit forever. And this is one pit I'm done with.

My goal for tomorrow is to get up for work and fight the urge to stay home. I'll probably be tired and anxious but I've got to go in, even if it's only for a minute. I usually do pretty good once I get there, so the trick is to get my butt in that office. Once I'm there, I'll take things as they come.

Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters

SeaRunner
Posts: 352
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:06 am

Post by SeaRunner » Mon May 31, 2010 3:42 pm

ManOfMusic -

Oh yes, bikes have come a long way and yes, the prices have become outrageous. That's why I suggested you might consider a used bike to start. You can save a few bucks that way but I'd have it checked out by a bike shop before purchasing one that way. You've probably noticed that there are quite a few different varieties these days too: street/racing, mountain, tri, cross, touring, and more. I suppose the first step is figuring out what kind of riding you want to do and go from there.

As for cost, it generally comes down to weight and accessories. The lighter the bike, the more expensive it is because the materials are more expensive. Similarly, the more expensive bikes have better accessories like the shifters/derailleurs, brakes, and seat to name a few. Heck, the more expensive bikes don't even come with pedals - you buy your own that typically clip to special biking shoes.

If you're just wanting to try things out, I'd go for the cheaper models first. That way if you don't end up using it or like riding you won't have broken the bank. And if things work out, you can always sell it and move to a higher quality. But be warned that you might end up with a bike that isn't very pleasant to ride. For example, a bike that doesn't stay in gear well (constantly wants to shift) or rattles a lot is incredibly annoying and can ruin a good ride. So be sure the take whatever bike you're interested in out for a test ride and check out all the features. Good luck and good riding!

Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters

samcat
Posts: 224
Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:19 pm

Post by samcat » Mon May 31, 2010 4:01 pm

OK guys, on anticipatory anxiety, the best thing I have found to work for me so far is to write out a little paragraph of empowering self talk about what I am dreading. Then I just keep reading over it and repeating it to myself. Sometimes it only is one sentence long. It has to be something believable and true. That usually really helps me. Remember card 3, I can choose the thoughts I entertain. I am fed up with disasterizing about stuff and scaring myself and if other people can change their thought process and break their bad habit, so can I. We all can!!

For example, Jamie already has his. "Tomorrow I may be tired and anxious, but so what? I am going into the office anyway. I usually do pretty good once I get there, so I am going and I will be fine." Sounds to me like you are doing pretty well on your goals Jamie. Keep up the good work!

Man of Music, good job on cutting off the caffeine and sugar so fast and for doing the expo. Like Lucinda says, we have to get out there, fear and all and just LIVE. See how much you have improved over two years ago. Big pat on the back for you!!

Sorry I can't help with bikes. I do the treadmill and weights and exercise bands twice a week for my osteoporosis. I have a bike, but the boys in my neighborhood call it a "vintage bike." I think they are too nice to insult me by calling it what they really think:)

Hot Rod
Posts: 130
Joined: Mon Nov 29, 2004 2:00 am

Post by Hot Rod » Mon May 31, 2010 4:13 pm

Jamie,

I'm still here and I guess you could say that I have met my goal of relaxing. I'm sick right now and have been sleeping like Rumplestiltskin!

Guess "unconscious" = "relaxed" right?? lol

Plan on making exercise a goal this coming week.... if I can get vertical long enough
Focus on what you want, not what you fear...

samcat
Posts: 224
Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:19 pm

Post by samcat » Tue Jun 01, 2010 7:09 am

To everyone who has been so supportive about my cat, I have some good news. Last night she looked a little perky, so we gave her some salmon and she ate, after a week of refusing all food. She ate twice last night and twice this morning, and appears to be feeling better. This cat truly has nine lives!! Have talked to the younger vet she sees at the animal hospital and he said any animal with a chronic, wasting disease waxes and wanes. She is outside in my back yard right now, seeming to be enjoying herself.

This whole thing is an emotional roller coaster ride and I sure do appreciate all the support and kind words from you all. Seems like the crisis has been postponed for now. Whew!!

Hot Rod
Posts: 130
Joined: Mon Nov 29, 2004 2:00 am

Post by Hot Rod » Tue Jun 01, 2010 1:51 pm

Jamie,

What a great example you are! You GO GIRL! Seriously, I could almost feel your anxiety as I read your post, I can relate that well. That is the key to undermining it all: looking it in the eye and doing it anyway. It is a willingness to have the symptoms and make it through.

ManofMusic,
Same to you! I DREAD big events like the expo you just did. Hate all teh people, the "bigness" of it, the chaos. And you volunteered! Wow!

Carleen,

I am so glad Samantha ate! Dang, what a roller coaster. I would be an emotional mess if I were you. I hope you and she have more time together.

I "relaxed" today by taking some extra time off during lunch and, well, sleeping. Hey, it counts! I do feel better, however, for it.
Focus on what you want, not what you fear...

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