The Goal Conqueror

This is what I aspire to be. 

It's incredibly difficult to set manageable goals - it takes a rather intricate understanding of not only what you're capable of doing, but moreover what you're capable of resisting.... and for how long.

As you all know, over the last 5 or so months I have been training for the Carlsbad Half Marathon (on 1/23/11) and, to my delight, completed it! I managed to run the entire thing in a pretty decent time for a first-timer (2:25)! I surprised myself. Taking on a challenge and actually seeing it through inspired a bit of self-assuredness... and a belief, albeit a small one, that I actually can accomplish something.

Now onto the next challenge.

This next battle deals with my bodily health and integrity. On Monday (1/31) I will begin a 21-day cleanse, which will hopefully rectify, or at least assist, my internals into becoming the self-sustaining system it once was. Between lymph issues, parasites, allergies, liver and kidney problems, heavy metals, etc, my body is by far the least efficient at taking care of itself out of most people I know. I exercise quite frequently and eat rather healthy, but through these efforts I have only managed to control my problems, not rid myself of them.

The cleanse is based off of the "Clean Program" created by Alejandro Junger, M.D., and expounded on in his amazingly informative book "Clean." It's not the most drastic of cleanses, yet appears to be one I can manage while achieving the same results, with a higher probability of maintaining those results with some permanency. For 21 days I will have 2 liquid meals and one solid meal. The liquid meals will consist of green juices, smoothies/shakes, or non-cooked soup, and the solid meal will consist of cooked, solid foods, that follow certain guidelines. I will be removing wheat, dairy, sugars, most fats, alcohol, caffeine, some fruits, and any processed/refined foods from my diet. Essentially, the program aims to eliminate any foods that are difficult to digest or contain allergens that tax the system, thus freeing up your body's energy to eliminate toxins, yeast, or any other negative substances that plague your organs. Simultaneous with the detox, your body is provided the nutrients to replenish organs with the essentials and to restore the "intestinal flora." This, I'm learning, is the difference between this type of cleanse, and most others, such as the Master Cleanse. The book, and testimonials of the book, purport there will be a myriad of positive effects, including increased energy, better sleeps, possibly weight loss, and a clearer-thinking brain. With all the possible positive effects, I figured - how can I pass up this opportunity?

While it is just that - a great opportunity - I've always had a weakness for food - bread, french fries and candy have been my ultimate indulgence/nemesis since I could walk, and it seems to be catching up with me. But hey - 3 weeks is nothing in this grand scheme we're a part of, right? They say the first few days tend to be the most difficult, but thereafter the body adjusts itself, and finds its way to physical and mental peace and clarity.

However, I will not fully mask my intentions as hopeful. Let it be known this is also my last-ditch effort to do something... anything... to heal myself. If it doesn't work, who knows what will.

Next up: Training for the La Jolla Half Marathon.

Salud!

(not so) New Year

January. Month 1. A new start. A fresh start. A time to be resolute with resolutions. But really, it seems to be nothing more than a farce. Perhaps simply an intricately-laid out ruse allowing gyms around the country a surge of profit at the beginning of each year.

Normally I'm a sucker for holidays and often get carried away - I love dressing in green, painting eggs, watching fireworks, carving pumpkins, cooking a turkey feast, and leaving cookies and milk out for Santa. But this year.... the new year was different. There was no renewed vigor, no energy boost. My new years started off a bit rocky and it just became so evident there is no reset button.... all we're left with is one continuous stream of time, making Jan 1 no different than any other day; it simply represents an accumulation of all the same residual problems and triumphs that existed on Dec 31. 

I admit I've fostered in myself a fully-grown cynic over this last stretch of time. And feeding that poor fool, among other things, is a developing frustration: I feel as though I've put forth quite the effort toward making healthier choices for my mind, body, and spirit, without seeing any permanent, positive effects. I am still a firm believer in changing for the better, and will continue to do so, but its difficult waiting for results.... waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for something... anything.... to happen. On the other hand, I do truly recognize the need to learn to appreciate the here and now, because, really, all we have is now.

Pertinent to the above recognition is this lovely passage Shilpa shared with me a while ago. Upon first sight, I decided I would start implementing it into my daily mantra, but, to my own detriment, have not. Perhaps reading this passage every day will instill in me some much, much-needed perspective and patience. I hope it speaks to you with a similar impact:

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time to still be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time...and remember that time waits for no one. 

- Alfred D'Souza