A few words from Captain Obvious

It takes certain kind of courage to recognize what's right in front of your face.

Ignoring it is easy. That's what we condition ourselves to doing. Frankly, I’m way too good at it. Getting sidetracked. Distracted. Like a squirrel with ADHD.

But. Facing up to the stone cold truth, even when it's about to collide with the tip of my nose? Eh, that's not so easy.

Those blatant, obviousnesses of Life - the ones we take for granted and never question - those are the truths that everybody faces. But I rarely ever confront. Be it a health issue, or whatever. Til now.

Maybe this sounds like the attractive glimmer of a new year’s resolution in the making. It is for me, but feel free to appropriate it for yourself.

So here's to hoping – first and foremost – you recognize whatever reality you’ve been ducking, for what it is.

And second, that you have the courage to act on it (including a prayer for having the wisdom to know when _not_ to act on it, if that’s warranted).

Thanks for reading all the way down here.

2011 - This Year'll Be Different?

Each new year seems to dawn the same way: ripe with well-meaning intentions of This Year'll Be Different.

Yet, it too soon shatters into tiny shards of wouldas. Shouldas. And couldas.

Ever the optimist, I believe I've got a way through that.

Pain.

Yes, pain. It's an excellent teacher (so says my youngest brother, a wise, high school instructor who seems to know a bit too much about the subject for my comfort).

But wait, this isn't about comfort; it's about pain. The pain that could be inflicted on me during the half Ironman triathlon that I signed up for on June 12 in Columbia, Maryland. (I'd list the website, but the race is closed to new entries, lucky you.)

So I'm relying on the fear - the very real fear - of that pain, to keep me motivated in fulfilling my 2011 resolution. The resolution that, coincidentally, is "to complete a half Ironman triathlon."

If I'm not fit, the race'll be more painful. To be fit, I'll need to be patient (don't do too much at once). And persistent (do something each day). And - don't be afraid of a little perspiration.

I invite you to visit this blog whenever you get a chance and use the fear of my self-inflicted pain to keep yourself motivated in your 2011 resolution.

Thanks for reading all the way down here.