Have you ever awakened not feeling quite right…as if your body was a bit out of sync…a bubble off plumb you might say?
Well…yesterday, I had one of those mornings. As a matter of fact, I was feeling so badly I just wanted to put my head under the covers and call it a day.
However, the plan that morning was to get up early and begin the day with a three mile jog. Although the way I was feeling, it was going to take a miracle just to get in a vertical position.
So, I continued to lie there feeling sorry for myself, all the while a little voice inside my head gnawed away at me whispering…practice what you preach mister…bring the action. Put one foot in front of the other and get started. Just give it 15 minutes.
Well…after strangling that little righteous S.O.B, I began the process of trying to sell myself on the idea.
The refrain, “bring the action,” kept echoing in my ears. I realize getting started is the hardest part. But as I lay there in agony envisioning myself… just a mere 30 minutes from that moment, jogging in the park, I wanted to tell that little annoying voice he was out of his ever-loving mind.
But…against my better judgment, I scoffed at the pain, slipped my shorts on, grabbed a breakfast bar, and in true masochistic form, headed to the park.
I got there in 20 minutes and proceeded to walk ever so gingerly. Ten minutes later, my body started responding as my walk transformed into a slow jog…a very slow jog mind you, but a jog never the less.
Not pushing too hard, I honestly began to feel the rhythm of the moment I was in. The morning was beautiful. The sun was rising and the air was cool…the perfect combination for a little motivation.
There I was…beginning my day, just the way I planned it the night before. And as I picked up the pace, that little voice inside boldly whispered once again…I told you so. By the way, it ended up being the beginning of a very fulfilling day.
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes set goals so high, that if I’m not careful, I can feel a little intimidated before even leaving the starting gate.
But…if I take that same goal and commit to just beginning the action…there’s a better than 50/50 chance I’ll see it through…in spades.
More times than not, within as little as 10 to 15 minutes from moving forward, I’m in full song, milking my momentum, while enjoying the ride…not to mention feeling pretty darn good about myself to boot.
So whatever you decide you want to do, why not begin with the goal of just getting started…and see how far it takes you? Try committing to 15 minutes. And come hell or high water, see it through…bring the action! You can do 15 minutes. For crying out loud…my 86 year old mother can manage 15 minutes.
Momentum is a powerful force…a very powerful force. And once it is in motion, it’s difficult to stop…it’s almost self-perpetuating. Look…it’s given credit for almost every achievement. You give it a chance…give it just 15 minutes, and see what happens. What have you got to lose?
One thing’s for sure. If you don’t…nothing will happen, and you’ll never know what could have.
Our bodies are designed to move…period, amen. If they don’t on a regular basis, we feel bad and depressed…and there’s no getting around it…end of story.
So…get your body in motion, and your mind will follow. Within 15 minutes, momentum will take over, releasing those wonderful and powerful endorphins.
Do this on a regular basis, and before you know it…an obnoxious but very wise little voice will move in and become your best friend…keeping you in motion…Listen to it. And bring the action!
Leslie and I having a little fun competing with our kids on our first annual “Family Vacation Lip Syncing Contest”. No one really wins, but we all get plenty of laughs.
Bring the Action!
Bill Peak
Bill,
Just thought I would send a little note to let you know I still read your postings as you post them. As I’ve said before, with no parents of my own anymore (car accidents 7 years apart resulted in me losing both parents 7 years and 14 days apart), I very often live vicariously through you and Emily’s Facebook statuses, pics, and blog postings such as this one. I was a friend of a friend of Emily’s when we both lived in Florida….I’m blessed to have had both of you inadvertently (and unknowingly on your part) cross my path. Thank you for loving your family the way you do!
Kim, I don’t quite know what to say. I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom and Dad…so tragic. I lost my Dad when I was 12 and I miss him everyday, though in many ways I still to this day feel his presence…and this blessing has helped carried me through many struggles in life.
Writing these blog post is very good for me…I’m a little rough around the edges and it keeps me thinking positive. And thinking positive is very contagious…at least for me. Hope it is for you as well. Thanks so much for reading.
Bill
Okay, so I hope I remember all I wrote earlier…….
OMG! The Bring the Action video was awesome! You two were great!
Anyway, how weird is it that this week’s blog was about this. Not kidding you but earlier this evening I was just telling Steve that I got up early this morning and got on the treadmill and elliptical and how I felt awesome the rest of the day. I haven’t done that for several months since we starting cycling in the evening. But that’s not the point. The point is that it was so hard to get out of bad, put on my exercise cloths, and go up the stairs. But that once I got started, I really got into it and felt really good. After telling him that, I come home and read this week’s blog! So neat! Thank you for verifying my thoughts.
With regard to the video, thank you for showing what marriage is all about…collaborating and having fun with each other. Thank you for being role models not only for your kids but to others like me. You two ROCK!
Tell Leslie I enjoyed the video and she is wayyyyyy sexier than Brittany Spears!!!
Sibyl, If working out were easy, everyone would do it. The truth is…it really is easy. It’s just the getting started which keeps most of us away from looking and feeling our best.
I believe keeping in shape is the best gift we can give to not only ourselves but to others we love and care about. It just brings out the best in everything we do and give. Enough preaching.
The night we did our “Bring the Action” Lip sync, all of our kids and their spouses preformed one as well. It was a hoot…I wish you could see theirs. It was the best night of our vacation. I really love that week in Florida. With several of the kids now living in other areas of the country…it’s the one week we are all together. And let me tell you…it is one special time. Not one minute is wasted.
Ha…I told Leslie what you said. She laughed. I have to say…I agree with you.
Thanks for your words…I always love them.
Bill
Another good one!
Thanks