Strangers

Competition. I know that many of us thrive on that word, and yet for some, it can be crushing. There are those that feel the need to constantly measure themselves up to some thresh-hold or standard that has been set (sometimes unknowingly) by others; and then there are those that could give a rat's behind what other people thought. There's also the other kind of competition that is governed by goals and outcomes. These are things like sports, a marathon run, etc. where there are clear winners and losers. Combining the two can have some drastic results.

You see, I went to this conference this weekend where one of the speakers talked about how people, especially women, can play a game with themselves in this: They walk into a crowded room, decide everyone else is size 0, and then feel fatter than they did when they walked out the door in the morning. You see, that woman has set a standard (size 0) that's not even true, has realized that she does not measure up to that standard, which then in turn... she considers herself a loser. That's not ok!

At this same conference, they served lunch. I was following a friend and we were headed to a table that had two empty chairs. However, one of the chairs had barely enough room to pull out. There were two women on the other side of the table. One said, "Oh, maybe we can move the table." The other said, "Oh that's ok, she's skinny." She was talking about me! I was taken aback for a moment, but then realized, oh yeah... I AM!

Now what does all that have to do with competition?

Ok well that particular instance didn't really have any... except for if my butt was going to be able to fit in that chair... which it did. But the comment from that stranger... has actually stuck with me all day. I mean it's even made a blog entry. :) My point is that people and competition can be good... buuuut they can also be that un-attainable goal that you'll always lose to... because it's not real!

In fitness, it's important to set goals, but not the winner or loser kind. If you're doing something about your health, you're already a winner and always will be. (Sounds corny, I know, but it's true). Some days you'll feel skinny, some days fat, but know that you are on your way to a healthy lifestyle and that's all that matters.