Obsession

I have often fantasized that I would someday develop two obsessions. One, to be obsessed with having a clean house, or really, to be obsessed with doing housework. Two, to be obsessed with working out. These are two areas of my life that I have spent a lot of time avoiding, even loathing. They are both things that I know need to be done. They both make my life happier and my mind more at ease when they are done. But still, I hate them. I despise them. I resent them for making me feel bad when I don't do them.

I look at people I know that have these obsessions with envy. My friend Tami has an immaculate house--always. I know she's not obsessed, she just does the work it takes. I have several friends who are committed to training for marathons (although I think that's insane!) and work out at the gym religiously. My cousin's girlfriend is a trainer and when I said something about wishing I enjoyed it more she said, "I LOVE working out!" Sigh. That's not me.

So how do I deal with these non-obsessions? Friends. I find friends who are equally non-obsessed and we work together. I work out at my friend Lisa's house--she's the drill sargeant for Krista and I. But she's not obsessed on her own, so she needs us too. I also walk a couple of times a week with a group. Knowing I get an hour of adult conversation motivates me to get out the door for that.

As for the housecleaning, I was inspired by my sister forming a housecleaning group, so I decided to do one of my own. I have two friends, Lisa (I guess we're a lot alike!) and Miranda who both have a great distaste for it and tend to procrastinate it like me. We've decided to get together once a week at one house for a few hours and clean together. Miranda and I did it once and it was great! I got more done that I would have without her there because I didn't stop. I couldn't stop--she was still working! Plus, we chatted and had a good time while we were doing it.

Maybe if I keep this up long enough it will develop into an obsession. Maybe that's too much to hope for. Maybe I'll just fantasize about the great body I'm getting! And the clean house? Well, that's peace of mind too.