Category Archives: Positive Attitude

Living life on the edge

Don’t tell anyone, but yesterday I went on a Water Slide. Given my Heart “Condition” it was an illegal act, but one that was considered at length (well, considered at least) before I took the plunge.

I’m not sure exactly where the perceived risks lay; it certainly wasn’t too frightening nor particularly exhilarating, it didn’t require significant physical exertion, and it didn’t expose me to dramatic changes in my environment. Still, it was forbidden and I did it, and it felt good (apart from slightly battered elbows).

If the exhilaration doesn't get you, the stair might!

If the exhilaration doesn’t get you, the climb might!

Following the Heart Attack, it took me a while to get comfortable re-exposing myself to life’s risks. What I’ve discovered is that they generally fall into one of two categories:

Sudden trauma; “one off” events that don’t happen on a day to day basis. Accidents would fall into this category, events that are outside our direct control. I would also include extreme sports where the activity, situation or environment is a factor.
Steady decline; day to day behaviours that are detrimental to our wellbeing or our health. The things we do where the numbers conspire against us over time. A single occurrence is unlikely to get us, but the compound effect might.

I’ve come to believe that the second category is most dangerous. It takes no effort, no thought but is guaranteed if you’re on that path.

Of course, there’s a third category… the risk of doing nothing; opting out, becoming irrelevant, out of touch. Becoming so cautious that life loses excitement, hope.

For many years, I was in steady decline, arrested only by the Heart Attack. It kicked my behind and prompted me into action.

Now I’m back on the right course, I’m not going to throw it away by taking silly risks, but at the same time I’m going to live my life. I will think about what I’m doing, weigh up the risks, and from time to time live life on the edge!

OK, so I won’t be doing that any time soon!

Spring forward

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Changing the clocks to British Summer Time seems to be more significant this year than just the loss of an hour’s sleep. For me it feels like it marks the beginning of an exciting new phase.

Hopefully this isn’t your first notification!

The fast approaching Cycle extravaganzas are a big factor. I’ve been working on my preparations throughout the winter, primarily putting in the miles on the Turbo Trainer. I’ve already been getting outside regularly over the past few weeks, the time change and the lengthening days will hopefully make this an increasingly frequent and pleasurable occurrence.

The countdown clock for the first event, the Euro City Cycle, will soon tick down to days rather than months, As it gets increasingly closer it’s going to be difficult to contain my excitement! I am really looking forward to it! (Did I mention that already? 🙂)

It’s nice to be reaping some of the rewards from the hours of training over the winter. As the saying goes, “It doesn’t get any easier, you just go faster.”, but at least I’ve established a solid platform for the summer’s activities.

We’ll be heading off to a Holiday / Activity Centre for a few days during the Easter break. This time I’m really looking forward to the things I can do rather than thinking about the things I can’t. This is a big change from the last time we went away as a family. I really enjoyed our time away, but my Heart Attack was still a major factor, both psychological and physical. It feels very different now.

OK, so there may be some activities that I won’t be doing!

It’s all a little bit more “normal” for all of us. We all have much more confidence in what I am capable of doing and my lifestyle choices are no longer “strange”. It should lead to a much more relaxed time away, albeit active! Again, I’m really looking forward to it!

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I’ve generally tried to maintain a positive outlook on life since the Heart Attack. I’ve never really found this difficult to conjure up, but sometimes it was more to make me feel good rather than because I was feeling good.

At the moment it doesn’t take any effort at all. Life is good and there’s lots to look forward to!

The longest month

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Is it just me, or is this January the longest month ever? It feels like it’s been going on forever, and there’s still over a week left! If it were possible to have a double Blue Moon, this is the month in which it would fall*.

What colour would a second Blue Moon in a month be?

Part of the reason has to be that it’s a genuinely long month, excruciatingly extended by the way the calendar has fallen… New Year seems like a lifetime ago. There was almost a full week before we returned to the routine. Then there were four full working weeks. It feels like we’ve had five Fridays already… and two still to go!

I think part of the reason is that I’ve got lots to look forward to. Unfortunately none of it is scheduled to happen this month. Patience isn’t my best quality. At times I feel like a schoolboy again. I’m excited!

Incidentally. most of the excitement is dull, grown-up stuff. I’ll keep you informed of the interesting and / or childish activities! Many of the things I’m looking forward to may be an anti-climax or a downright disappointment – you’ll probably hear about them too!

Perhaps the exercise and healthy living are contributing. Maybe it’s the endorphins kicking in. Is it possible to wind back the body clock? Perhaps a little?

Anyway, I won’t wish my time away. There are still 8 sleeps till February (For me that means, 5 rides, 3 swims and who knows what opportunities). Let’s make the most of them!

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* I am not referring to two take outs from our favourite Indian Restaurant. Most are double Blue Moon months by that measure. For the record, I continue to be good though (Mixed Tandoori, Boiled Rice, Lentils and Spinach).

Mr Grumpy

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People keep asking me:

“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Why?”
“You just look unhappy.”

As any amateur psychologist knows, being told you look miserable is not great for morale!

Mr Grumpy… smiling inside!

It’s got me thinking… am I less happy now than I used to be? Am I indeed miserable?

Having reflected on these important questions, I’ve concluded that no, I’m not unhappy. Neither am I less happy than I was before my Heart Attack. So what’s causing the perception of misery?

I can only conclude that the default expression on my face must have changed… Perhaps my additional chins used to force my mouth upwards into a fake smile. Maybe the unhealthy me gave off an unnaturally positive glow. Who knows!

Under normal circumstances, I’d prescribe happy pills to cheer me up (or a stiff gin perhaps!), but I’ll have to focus on happy thoughts and make an extra special effort to be Mr Happy!