ACOAs, it’s time to call B.S. on your self-care excuses

Five years or so ago, I saw this bike for sale.

I’ve never been particularly interested in biking of any kind – slowly down a main street or thrillingly up the hilly trails. The last time I biked any real distance was to make it to class on time in college.

But when I saw this bike, I could picture myself riding around town with a sense of serenity. I felt the breeze against my skin.  I heard the town sounds.

I could feel freedom. Yes, FREEDOM on a vintage-style bike with a bell.

I shall buy a bike and bike around town! I’m really great at identifying things that would be great for taking care of me! 

I never bought the bike. I never rode around town. I haven’t biked at all.

I never did most everything that once struck me as something I really have to do…for me.

Today, I thought of this bike. I thought about all the things I never do. I thought about how often I’ve stood in the exact same place on this planet without doing anything differently.

The excuses arrived.

This happened. That happened. I don’t have time.  I can’t help it. I’m an ACOA with all kinds of things to sort out. 

I can’t believe that I fall for my own B.S. day in and day out.

I suck.

Maybe it’s end-of-the-year reflection, anxiety-filled holidays and my looming birthday but today, I didn’t fall for my own B.S. because oh yeah, I am an adult woman living in the United States of America.

I am 100% free.

I can control me and everything about my life.

So why do I not bike?! DAMN IT.

You know that thing that makes you think, “I should do that because it’d be good for me?”

Throw away your eloquent BS. Cut the self-created red tape and do it.

I hope you will.

Jody Lamb is an author, blogger and adult child of an alcoholic on a journey to create an awesome grownup life. Visit JodyLamb.com. Twitter and Instagram: @JodyMLamb. YouTube: /JodyLamb. Facebook.com/JodyLambAuthor.

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