That inner self dialogue really needs to end.

Today was a day of firsts.

I was desperate enough to use body lotion as hair conditioner in the shower.  It was a toss up between that and baby oil. 

AND

I started running today after an extended period of time off.  I ran in the beginning of the summer but I haven't run in a long time because of my arthritic ankle.  Today however, I got back at it.  And on the treadmill of all things.  I think my outdoor running will remain a wish for the next five months.  It's getting pretty chilly out there and ice terrifies me. 

So I went on the treadmill, and ran slooooooooooooooowly.  And after a few minutes I could feel my shoulders getting warm and little beads of sweat were starting to form on them and it was an incredible feeling.  To do something simple, to appreciate my body for its physical capabilities, to be in a state of thankfulness-that was good.  But no sooner did those beads of sweat form than my brain started to do a little number crunching.

"You know, if you started running for 30 minutes every day and did interval training every other day then it wouldn't be long before you could run 10k and then you could start doing stretches first thing when you wake up in the morning and doing crunches and squats and lunges three times a day, once in the sand, just to give your muscles a little boost.  Ya, that could work." 

We never let ourselves just feel good without trying to process what's next.  We've already moved on from our accomplishment, however big or small, and start scheming of how we could do better.

Well what if we stopped focusing on doing better and try to just do?  Just DO something good for your body.  Don't think of how you could have done better.  You'll end up feeling bad about your efforts and chances are you won't do that good thing again. 

You don't have to be the best.  I plague myself sometimes with thoughts about writing a perfect blog.  There's probably only four people reading this, including myself, but sometimes I think there's really no point because "I'm not the best writer, or the most captivating to read, or the most relevant to everyones' lives.." so therefore why bother?

Bother yourself with things that are good.  Do things that are good but don't obsess that they aren't the best.  You'll drive yourself into a circus of failed achievements.  Don't decide that you shouldn't serve chocolate cake to your guests because it's not the world's best chocolate cake.  Do it with love.  Don't get on the treadmill because you need to lose 50 pounds before Christmas.  Do it because you love your body. 

You only become the best after trial, trial, trial, and a little tribulation.  So just do something because it's good or because you love it. And tell your inner wacko that today your good is your best. So good for you, you fearless and mighty warrior. Be brave and do good.