HELP!!! Need Inspiration/Motivation

Wow, I'm so sorry.

Have you considered grief counseling?  It can only help.

Some training, if you can get it in, isn't just taking time away from your family. If it helps to get you to lose some weight, stop smoking and/or feel a bit better then it's to their benefit too. You being in good health is in your kid's best interest.

One of the things that makes the body so interesting is that most stresses, whether they be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, will have a lot of the same symptoms.  So that, people who are more physically fit can be more fit in the other areas as well.

With that in mind, today is a new day.  It doesn't ignore the past but gives an opportunity for a new future.  Train today.  Do something.  Walk.  Stretch.  Breathe.  Something.  Anything will help your body to process all the stresses that you are going through.

Then, please, log whatever you do so that some of us can check in on you from time to time and help you through the hard times.  Please use your training log so that we can send inspires directly to you when you're having hard times.

We're here to help.

Mike,

I'm sorry for your loss and we here in BT are here to support you. As hard as it was to make this post I hope it allows us to support you.

When I'm sad or out of sorts, some type of physical activity really helps....as others have suggested a walk, run, bike or something. What do you enjoy doing most? Do that? Need someone to go with you to encourage you? I bet we could find a BTer in your area to meet up with you to run, swim or bike with you. 

Maybe you could pick a race to do in honor of your brother and that may be a wonderful healing experience for you. 

Hoping today is a little bit better for you today~ 

Sorry to hear about your brother and the grief you are going through.  It's a terrible place to be. 

 If you can't seek professional help, which I would completely encourage you to do, talk to whatever clergy/spiritual resource you might have. 

Check in your area to see if there is a grief support network... call local hospice organizations, they would know and you wouldn't need to have used the hospice center to do so.  Chances are, you are not alone in your experience, even if it is unique, other folks will be similar.  Family dynamics all change at a death like this.

Peace,
Brian

x2. A counselor saved my life.  The only things that really helped me were: Time and talking to people.  My best friend since pre-K was killed in the World Trade Center, our families were going to grow old together, after having gone through HS together, college together, and working together, but it didn't happen.  Part of my pain was trying to get over it too fast and not properly grieiving.  Communication is critical with your spouse as well..everyone grieves differently. Even though your family needs you, YOU also need you.  Please update us and lean on us if it helps!

Mike-

I am sorry for your loss.  I do not know the right words to "type" nor do I know you feel.

In my experience, tri training pretty much saved me from a gut-wrenching tragedy that happened in my family this past summer.  ~8wks prior to my first tri, and I just wanted to hide in my bed and never leave.  I took 2 wks off, got back into it, and the training pretty much was my therapy (as well as attending counseling).  Training was equal to counseling, though.  Anyway, the tri was necessary for my mental state, it really helped. 

Can't say it is effective for all, but can see how it can help.

 We'll be here for you...Good Luck

Mike - I am sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are part of a great community here on BT and can vent or ask for help anytime.

I lost my mother last year just as I was getting into the training groove. I ended up missing 2 races I had already registered for. I tried to take some time off - I felt that training was not important in the scheme of things. After some time had passed though, I started back training but only half hearted. I have spent the last couple of months just kind of going thru the motions not really focused on training. I am also self employed - and know how draining that can be of your time. I can tell you though - that as some time has passed and I am feeling stronger I am also finding more time to train and it feeds off itself. I feel better afterwards and that carries over into other areas of my life. And at the end of every training session, I feel a little better about myself and my life. I know that the better I am - the more I can give to the rest of my family. And I can't help but think know that my mother would want me to continue to do the things that are important to me. So I have begun to use this as my fuel for motivation. Every time I feel like quitting or cutting short a session - I focus on my mother - and I am grateful to be able to participate - in anything - and I know deep down that this tri-ing thing I do is somewhat of my tribute to her....maybe that is weird but if it brings me peace - I don't care.  I did not get to say things to her that I wish now I had said....and this motivates me like I can't explain to you - but it drives me like nothing ever has....I will not quit....I will continue....if for nothing more than my own personal tribute to her and those who never tri -'ed or never will.....Yes, I do this for myself but I also do it for those that never will....

Stay in touch - keep the logs going!

I am very sorry for your loss.  It takes major guts to post something that personal.   I also think that is part of the healing process.  It is very easy for me to say things will get better, but I really believe they will.  By posting on this board, you have already identified something that can help you move through this process.  Taking the steps to get out and train again.  I hope you do get out there and do something tomorrow.  Run for 10 minutes, and the next day go for 11.  It will help. 

My thoughts are with you and your family. 

Bennet

Awesome job Mike

Great training~ 

Welcome Back Mike! Taking it One Day at a Time...Just a suggestion, but I find using the logs helps motivate me as well. It also helps other people see what you're doing and they can inspire (motivate) you.  I also find it self-motivating when I see the totals piling up.  Just my .02

Mike, good luck buddy. :prayers: