Looking forward to working out. What kind of nonsense is that? Being the best I can be. Duh. That’s the goal right? Well, let me tell you something: I got a bit bogged down in the mire (no work, no money, intense knee pain) and got stuck in a vacuum of inaction. I began to let life happen to me instead of taking charge of it and making my life happen. In case you haven’t been following my blog, I was gifted workout sessions with a professional trainer to “save my life.” And I was grateful. I jumped right in full of enthusiasm but like with any routine, it became just that: routine. I lost sight of the full picture – that I was working to save my life. It wasn’t the hard work that made me lose sight of this. Oddly enough, I love the work. I had forgotten the joy of the accomplishment. Fortunately, I didn’t stay there. A few weeks ago, I took control of my life. I got my knees worked on (by another great friend who happens to be an Ortho-surgeon) and I decided to look forward to my work outs (and my life in general) with a renewed enthusiasm.
The person who gave me this gift of life is 83 years young. And he looks at life like a bright-eyed kid: full of possibilities. His view on life is positive and determined – always forward – to be the best that he can be and though I loved this attitude and philosophy, I didn’t fully embrace it beyond repeating choice phrases from time to time. Fortunately, for me, he came into town and spending time with him boosted an already budding renewal of enthusiasm regarding my own life.
I am never depressed. That’s one of his favorite expressions. I always heard him say it but I didn’t get it. How can you never be depressed? That’s crazy! Though I hid it well, I was depressed. I had woes: no money, no work, pain. So I asked him.
How can you never be depressed or worried?
And his answer came back to his basic premise. (I am paraphrasing but I think I captured the essence of what he says). Be the best you can be. And if something upsetting happens or you get a result that isn’t what you hoped for – but you did your very best – then there is no reason to suffer over the end result. You take responsibility for your life by taking action and by being physically active and strong.
He went on: You can’t get upset that someone is rude to you or treats you badly. If you are the best that YOU can be, then some other fool’s opinion does not matter. You might think on it for awhile but you don’t stay there. “Life is finite,” and you must consider every moment as precious. You pull yourself up and keep going.
And that is exactly what I did.
You have to take action. Taking care of one’s physical self is vital. If you are feeling great physically then you are equipped to do your best because strength is key to long life – in mind and body. Using this philosophy moving forward demands that I look at my workouts as an important step to being the best I can be physically and that will affect my life on every level. If I am in good shape then I can perform better and I have the energy to propel myself towards better shows. I will have the energy to create. I will have the endurance to perform at top level at every show. The benefit of that will most likely be prosperity.
I will be the best I can be.
It’s so simple. If you were to ask me:
Lynne, are you being the best that you can be every day?” I would automatically respond: “Yes, of course!” But when I really think about it, I can’t remember starting a day with that statement! So, today, I woke up and I said to myself and to the Universe: Today, I will be the best person I can be. And then, I stretched, I had a healthy breakfast, did some ab work, I picked up some crap that was laying on my floor, made a to-do list and started writing. And now I am really looking forward to my workout with Jeremy today.
That was easy.
I encourage everyone to use this philosophy as a motivation to get physically fit and then watch the effect on other aspects of your life. The key is consistency. Don’t worry that you may not follow through. Take it one day at a time, but with the knowledge that it’s for the rest of your life. Wake up and visualize each day as a new chance to be the best that you can be. And then be happy for that day. As my friend says: each day “above the grass” is a day for celebration! It really helps. It works.
No excuses. No excuses. Get off your ass NOW!! If I can do it, YOU can!
