February 26, 2010

Auntie Jo's Final, Timeless Rules for Fitness and Whining

This guy is great! I have a hat of his, and it's kickass.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ObeyMyBrain


I hate goodbyes. Especially long ones. Especially ones I didn't think of myself. And most especially those that take me away from the poolside blogging hut, complete with cabana people and fruity drinks and foot massages.

But, you know, some things just have to happen. As Gigi said, it's not everybody who can go out on a high note. She and I have been very lucky to get to blog with Crabby McSlacker in her prime, and I'm endlessly thankful for the opportunity.

That said, I can't go away without imparting some final long-winded yammering wisdom.

Thus, Auntie Jo's Timeless Rules for Fitness and Whining.

There are only three. See long goodbyes, above.

Rule Number Three: (we're doin' it Letterman-style!)

Do What You Like.

If you really hate running on the treadmill but have a ridiculous passion for Scottish country dancing, what the hell are you still doing on the treadmill? You might get fit that way, but you'll never get happy.

Rule Number Two:

All Things In Proportion.

Note here that I do not say "moderation". I'm not a big fan of moderation; life is meant to be experienced in (as Robert Heinlein said) big bites. Go big or go home, I say, with one caveat:

If what you're doing is out of proportion to the rest of your life, it will end up hurting you in the long run.

Trying to get rid of that last ten pounds is admirable. So is trying to run a marathon by your fiftieth birthday. BUT! If your obsession with or attention to those things are making you miserable every time you look in the mirror, or taking you away from things which ought to be more important, you need to moderate. You might reach your goal by being obsessive, but you won't be happy about it.

And, finally, Rule Number One:

Do What Makes You Happy.

Seriously. That's it. And that's it, coming from a person who has a whole stable of tips, techniques, and drugs to keep crushing depression and anxiety at bay.

Happiness is a goal, not a destination, yadda yadda yadda. Even in the absolutely worst times, though, you can still grab a little dose of happy. It might be through playing with your kids, or somebody else's kids, or patting a puppy, or doing an imitation of a drunken orangutan during your workout. Whatever it is, grab it and savor it. Never pass up the opportunity to giggle. Never pass up the opportunity to tell a really corny joke, or disco your way through step class, or generally be a lunatic, if that's what makes you happy. If what makes you happy is acting like Constipated Dick Cheney, then do that too, but stay the hell away from me.

Thanks again for your attention and support these last months. I'm available at both Head Nurse (nursey blogging goodness!) and The Wednesday Whine, which is my civilian blog.

See you on the track/in the gym/on a walk! (I'll be the one in the squid hat.)


28 comments:

  1. I love your 3 rules!

    And I'm so gonna miss blogging with you here. So glad I can still read you at Wednesday Whine and at Head Nurse.

    Note to CF readers: you do not need to be a nurse to appreciate Head Nurse, it's one of the best-written, most fascinating blogs on the planet.

    Thanks for all the awesomeness, Jo--and I next time I attempt to imitate a drunken orangutan I will totally think of you.

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  2. Thanks for your posts, Jo! Putting your others in the good old Google Reader. Happy trails, Cranky Fitness!

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  3. Jo, those are 3 rules for LIFE. Thanks for joining CF, even if it wasn't for long...

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  4. Crabs, Lobsters, Squids...I'm in the mood for garlic butter now.

    Very good rules, Jo.

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  5. Rules to live by!

    Best of luck to you out in the Non-Cranky Fitness blogging world Jo!

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  6. Thanks, Jo. We'll miss you here, but will catch up with you elsewhere in blossom.
    cammi99

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  7. "So sad that it should come to this..." : )

    So long and thanks for the awesome posts. And a spectacular finish! These are great rules not just for fitness, but life in general.

    I shall now begin stalking, er, following you at your own site!

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  8. Love those rules - I need to print them out and put them where I can read 'em every day!

    Thanks for posting over here...now I'm going to check out your other blogs!

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  9. Love the 3 rules too! And, for each goodbye post I kept thinking of that (thanks for all the fish) so it was very appropriate for me :)

    I've loved reading your posts. Thanks for the input.

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  10. Excellent rules, along with laugh every day, even if it is at yourself.

    I'm going to miss the daylights out of all of you.

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  11. I so need to remember this: "You might reach your goal by being obsessive, but you won't be happy about it." Wise words!! You will be missed, Jo!

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  12. You all will be missed here at Cranky Fitness!!!!!!!!!!!

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  13. It's been a pleasure reading your posts, Jo!!!

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  14. Thank you for being here, Jo! I have been enjoying "Head Nurse" a lot too, and look forward to continue reading your blogs.

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  15. Gonna miss the blog, love the rules, and don't forget your towel! :)

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  16. Now this is what I call real fitness advice! First time here and will be back to read more. Thank you for those 3 rules - I'm going off to whine a bit now:)

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  17. I love your Timeless rules! I can't even decide which one is my favorite; I think I will now develop a ridiculous passion for Scottish dancing.

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  18. Excellent post to go out with. I wish you blessings in whatever you are going to do next!

    Fitness Achievement

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  19. You've got a nice article..Keep it up..Very interesting. Thanks.

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  20. I need to print them out and put them where I can read every day.Thanks for posting over here.now I'm going to check out your other blogs.

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  21. Love your blog So long and thanks for the awesome posts. And a spectacular finish! These are great rules not just for fitness, but life in general.

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  22. I kept thinking of that (thanks for all the fish) so it was very appropriate for me, anyway thanx all this.

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  23. Well, I kept thinking of that (thanks for all the fish) so it was very appropriate for me.

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  24. OMG That hat is just too awesome!

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  25. What an informative (and funny!) post. I think many people probably forget to "do what you like" when choosing an exercise routine.

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  26. Aww, that's bad. I'm looking forward that you'll post more again. Anyway, your blogs have always been fascinating. Thank you for that informations you shared.

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Thanks for commenting, Cranky Fitness readers are the BEST!

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