My Dilemma

Whether you’re sitting around on your couch, laying in bed, or driving home from work, we’ve all been there. Craving a treat, usually.

I have a 30 minute drive home from work – mostly highway. No turns, not much traffic (although, when there’s only one two-lane highway in Alaska, you’d expect more), and only three traffic lights… that I usually make. Still, with my vehicle in constant motion and surrounded by mountains and views, I want to eat. A little snack. A treat.

I just worked a full day – don’t I deserve a treat?

Reality: No. Not everything you do warrants a treat.
Perspective after spending eight hours at the office: Yes! Treat yourself and relax!

Truth of the matter is, I like to workout after work. If I indulge myself in that treat, chances are, I start down a path that I like to call the snowball to stationary.

The snowball to stationary: When you start with one action that leads to another action that leads to another… Ending at stationary.

For example:
1. I eat a treat on my drive home from work.
2. I start to feel tired as I pull into my driveway.
3. I bring my work bag inside and instead of changing into gym clothes, I look for another little snack.
4. I eat a couple bites of pretzels.
5. I take a deep breath in the kitchen, listening to the silence of the room after spending all day in the office.
6. I take my work clothes off – and put on stretchy pants. Not gym clothes.
7. Instead of going to the gym, I sit on the couch, maybe telling myself it’ll just be for a few minutes.
8. I end up stationary. On the couch.

My treat made me want another treat. Another snack made me feel sluggish. I got tired. I skipped the gym.

I tell myself I’ll just take a rest day and use it for extra energy for tomorrow’s workout….

Do I?