My new FITBIT exercise gadget sent me an email to let me know my total step count for the past week. I achieved “13,834” steps to be exact. I got excited… that is until I clicked on the link to see how my partner Sweet Pea was doing. Turns out what I walk in a week she easily walks in a day!
Now, I want to say that I do know better than to compare myself to anyone else, especially where walking is concerned. Believe me, I do know that – but even with that pearl of wisdom cemented into my mind, I have to admit I felt a twang of defeat in the pit of my ever-expanding tummy.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled Sweet Pea has jumped on the treadmill and stepped up (pun intended) her commitment to fitness. But I swear – if I could physically stomp my feet in frustration, I would!
Instead, I silently shouted to the universe, “that’s it, I’m not going to try anymore!”
Feeling defeated is familiar territory for me and I know myself well enough to know that I’ll get over it. There was something different this time; I felt a twang of sadness. I was missing Anne, my former physiotherapist.
It was hard to say goodbye to Anne (professionally speaking); she’d poked and stretched me for five years. A lovely level of trust developed between us and that helped to keep me motivated. Anne left to have a baby and not long after that I moved to a new town. Life’s like that; it changes.
When I think about how disappointed I felt about my “lack of steps” I can see that I really am in a league of my own. Fortunately, Sweet Pea is a gem at championing my efforts and reminds me that comparing is not the point of the exercise.
Nonetheless, it’s frustrating to feel competitive in spirit only to discover I am the only appropriate counterpart. Ho-hum. Well, if that’s the case, then… I better watch out!
