Take that pressure and shove it!

Why do we set ourselves up for disappointment ALL the time? You know, set a goal - which is good, but then put time and physical restraints on it. It just creates pressure, and more pressure, until we are ready to explode. Or panic sets in. Yes, PANIC. Sometimes that goal becomes more than just a goal. It becomes an expectation, a standard that must be met. Like our lives will depend on it, or everyone is depending on you to achieve that goal. F&%@! I just wanna scream!!!!

So how did it get to the point of panic? It is so easy to forget our journey, we never remember the good stuff. We can start a goal with many people around us, cheering us on. Asking how it is going, wanting to show their support. We love it, it feels good. Then we hit that bump, it feels like a mountain. In retrospect it was only a bump. But at the time, whatever small issue that happens easily grows into something more. You know that game of tag, where the person who is it, tags a person. Then they have to hold hands and catch the next person. A giant chain of people are connected to together trying to catch everyone. Suddenly, it becomes complete CHAOS because you can't control the chain of people. Everyone wants to go their own way, nobody works together to catch the last few people. Yup, that is what it is like when stress hits when you are working towards a goal. CHAOS=PANIC.

I have a friend trying to achieve a goal. The people around her are excited for her. People encourage her and listen to her journey. This helps her, it is great support. She deserves nothing less. So now you add TIME, it is getting closer to her goal. The pressure to achieve her goal is getting greater. There is less time to prepare, there are more people "supporting", more eyes on her if you want to say. The process is all over more intense. Then 1 small bump in her road sends a domino effect of emotions and pressure straight to her psyche! Oh ya, panic is setting in. She is getting unwound by a couple of nuts, I am not kidding. I think it is cashews actually.

See her goal is a physical one, she needs to train incredibly hard and eat a strict diet. She does everything right. the time is creeping on her and the pressure is intense. I know she doesn't like all of the people around her worry about her. I think she is worried we see her as weak. She is so wrong - she is so STRONG, determined, focused, funny, happy, and beautiful! And guess what? Human. She will achieve her goal whether it be now or in a few months, she will do it. She is like all of us, it doesn't matter what your goal is. It has to be for yourself or not at all. Who cares what people think, if all you see is the fat girl in the mirror. Time to toss the fatgirl mirror and get the "this is me" mirror.

I got stressed this week too, and I gained back 6 lbs. Yes I am ashamed to say all 6 lbs. I bought a bag of peanut M&Ms. But that small bag did not put 6 lbs on my ass, the not eating and drinking WAY too much coffee did. I didn't prepare one meal this week. I only ate 2 or 3 X a day. I didn't fuel my body, I starved it and stuffed it full of stress. I was so close to panic, so close to saying forget it and buy another bag of M&Ms. My friend helped me to stop and reassess my situation and just deal with the stress head on. I feel so much better and I am going to thank my friend for helping me. Thanks KP!