"I Can't"

I used to say that. A lot. I can't lose weight. I can't walk as fast as you, as far as you. I can't stop eating too much of the wrong things. 


All of these things are lies. It's easier not to try. If you never try, never stick to your guns, you can't fail. If you never start something, you can't fail to finish it.


I prefer to tell myself that "Failure is Not an Option." That particular F word is no longer in my vocabulary. That is one of my mantras, particularly on Volksmarches. Slogging up the latest of many enormous hills (mountains, my body will tell you!) in Diekirch on a 20 km (12 mile) walk two years ago, I wore my favourite cap. It was bought in May 2009 in the Kennedy Space Center gift store, and you can see it in the photo. 


Wearing that cap, I am invincible. I just keep on going, plodding, chugging, panting, puffing, most likely swearing a blue streak at times. It is my constant companion on long walks, and I wear it when I jog if the weather is wet. It hangs on a peg in the hall, so I see it every day. That is part of my inspiration on a daily basis.


So, the next time you start to tell yourself 'I can't do this, I'm a failure, I will never lose weight' - just remember those five little words.


Failure is Not an Option.