Service meets Self Discipline

I may have written before about how I try to drive one new quality / attribute every year, and package it in a simple mantra.  This the mantra is Service Before Self.  Like all new habits, starting it is rough and takes a toll at first.  I let my training slide because my evenings were filled with volunteer work.

Since Spring break I've been trying to lift and run in the mornings.  The first week was poor.  The second week was OK, and the 3rd was good.   Its becoming easier and almost a habit.  The reason for the title: I couldn't have made this change had I not practiced self discipline in all areas of my life last year.

Giving up alcohol took more effort than a mere act of self discipline.  It took prayer, fellowship, and some nights alone figuring out how to be me again.  Now that its just how life is, I can be sober in any environment.  At this stage I don't feel as though I've given up something.  Rather, to have a drink would be to give up my sobriety. Not worth it no matter the situation

This too has had carry-over into other areas of life.  I've been dieting militantly for a couple months to compete as a light weight (under 200 pounds)....lots of other stuff deleted because of blogging error......

So now, I'm able to live a life that feels normal but accomplishes much:
  • morning starts with prayer for my loved ones and those who's needs I'm aware of
  • arrive at the gym between 5:30 and 6:00 AM
  • get home and work my tail  off at my job
  • Mon - Thu: work with my MMA kids from 5:30 - 6:30. Some days 4:30 - 6:30
  • Make dinner for my kids when they are with me, talk about homework, their day
  • Clean the kitchen
  • Time for friends, family, those who are like family :)
  • A little housework
  • Read
  • Pray
  • Sleep
I'm just edging toward 199 and the leanest I've been as an adult.  Sure I was leaner when I boxed at the Air Force Academy, but I was 18 - 20 and in a controlled environment.   That doesn't count.

This is simple and unglamorous, but the peace, joy, contentment and drive to improve have all come together at a single point in time. I'm happy where I am, but just as happy putting in the work to become more.

God, I am yours to do with me and build with me what you will.  May any successes I have serve as the tiniest reflection of your overwhelming glory.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Intro to Calisthenics

 I'm kind of big and kind of heavy. I weigh 235 and wear XXXL shirts ťailored to fit my size L waist.  Even so, after moths of consistent effort, I'm strong enough to incorporate calisthenics as my primary form of training volume. My current plan is paying off in the form of major leaps in endurance, tighter physique, and fat loss.  The schedule is: Mon - whole body Tue - arms Wed - whole body Thu - off Fri - whole body Sat - arms Sun - off My torso has always grown faster than my arms and I need to build proportion, so they get 2 dedicated sessions a week.  A typical whole body session runs like this: 1. Single leg calf raise: 3-100 method* 2. 10 min EMOM: Big power movement like deadline, or snatch grip high pull, or clean&press.  Start at 10x3 and stick with the same weight till you can perform 10x6.  Rotate between 5-6 movements every session. 3. Conditioning circuit 1: 5 rounds of   A. Pushup progression   B. Pick a single leg squat patte...
Read more

The Warrior's Path

This year has been a real test of character, and I have to say, I  passed with probably a B+, or maybe A-.   What makes a warrior different from the ordinary man is not whether he faces obstacles or not. We all face obstacles.  No; what makes a warrior different is how he faces the obstacles. An ordinary man and a warrior will both map out a course to  their objective. The ordinary man will get distracted along the way.  He might see the trail up the mountain and convince himself he never really wanted to reach his objective. When his arms go numb from shouldering the load, he discards item from his pack he suddenly sees as unnecessary.  He might sprain an ankle, call 911 and decide the course is too dangerous for any sane person to attempt.  So much the better, because now he has plenty of time for other more important things.  Isn't it football season anyway? The ordinary man makes excuses to stay ordinary. The warrior notices and ...
Read more