When the Sun Comes Up, You'd Better Be Running!

 

In a weird way the above saying reminds me of Plato's quote,

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

No matter how big or small our battles may seem to others, for each of us they are important and can sometimes feel overwhelming. I am often asked if there is a way to gain perspective and clarity? I myself think about this on more than a few occasions throughout the day.

Finding peace, serenity and clarity take more than facebook posts of catchy phrases, philosophies and quotes (like the one I posted at the top of this page). Trying to "figure it out" in the moment can also be a recipe for disappointment, especially if your already overwhelmed.

True peace and serenity is about developing habits that bring serenity, clarity and peace. Something I call Foundational Grounding. 

Here are some habits to help establish & maintain this Grounded-ness:
  • Sleep / Rest
  • Regular Exercise
  • Balanced Diet
  • Quiet Time / Meditation
  • Breathe dammit breathe!
  • Service to Others
  • Connection with something larger than your self
  • Surround yourself with positive people who you enjoy
  • Read Inspiring Stories, Watch Inspiring Movies, Etc.
  • Keep Learning & Growing as a Person
  • Learn to Let Go
  • Laugh 
  • Respect others
  • Be a protector of others
  • Closure: Take Care of Your Regrets
  • Legacy: What are You Leaving Behind?

I'm sure you can think of numerous other things to add to this list. I'll leave that up to you. My point here is that much like staying healthy is a path that requires maintenance. It's easy to see that if someone is over weight they don't just make the decision one day to be skinny and then "ZAP" like magic they are! No, you are going to have to work at it now (and for a while) and then later you will see the results of your work.

In order to maintain and keep your weight down you have to continue to keep an eye on what you're eating and how much exercise you're getting. If you don't you'll probably begin to notice that your pants are getting tight again. 

To continue to stay healthy you have to work at maintaining this new habit. Creating a lifestyle that supports the healthier you rather than "binge dieting" is more healthy and effective. Your mental and emotional health is no different. 

We all know what it's like to be around someone who is up lifting and positive. These are people who when you are around them you feel at ease, good, positive, safe. After time with them you somehow feel better about yourself and the world around you, even if nothing much was said between the two of you. 

We have also been around emotional vampires, crab-asses, overly paranoid prep-ers, bullies, people who steal your energy, people who you feel worse after being around them. 

Many of these people don't even realize how bad they are. They are fighting their hard battle as well. It is your choice whether you want to spend time with them. It's your choice if you want to be like that. 

Use adversity as an opportunity to make the decisions you need to make to both navigate the situation as well actualize your life to the highest degree. 

Remember every morning when you wake up don't only be ready to run, be ready to turn adversity to an opportunity. It's your CHOICE! Choose wisely because either way, you reap what you sow.

Keep going,
~Craig





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