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Why I Can’t Sit Down

During the spring of 2012 I started working out regularly. I love the morning routine of exercising, listening to books on Audbile, and thinking about the day ahead. A friend introduced me to the Insanity workout early on and I was hooked. If you aren’t familiar with this workout, think intense cardio plus strength training for 45 minutes. I’ve completed this 60-day program several times. I run on the weekends, but I keep coming back to Insanity during the week. I just love the mix of cardio with strenth training.

Insanity seemed like the perfect at-home workout…until last Wednesday. I was in the middle of my workout when I quickly stood up and sprained my Sacroiliac (SI) Joint. In just a few seconds I went from running a 22 minute 5K and doing 100 pushups with ease to struggling to dress myself in the mornings…frustrating to say the least. I don’t think I have ever experienced pain like this! WOW! My lower back is uncomfortable when I stand up. My lower back and left hip experience severe pain when I sit down. Oh, and I can hardly bend over.

Fortunately, I remembered Michael Hyatt’s post entitled “A Question That Changes Everything.” In this post, Michael experiences a health setback and asks himself “What does this experience make possible?”

I am very grateful for his blog, and especially this question. I have been tempted to ask myself several questions over the past several days:
Why did this happen now?
What did I do to deserve this?
Why did I not bend my knees more instead of stooping over?

But, the question “What does this experience make possible?” shifts my thinking in a couple of ways.

First, I acknowledge that I am not in total control. God is in control, and I am not. He has a great plan for my life, and I don’t want to miss it by being angry at Him and myself for my current condition.

Second, this question shifts my thinking from the past to the future. I hope this experience makes me a better planner, better leader, better delegator, and better writer since I can’t physically accomplish all I have been doing. I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes by Elanor Roosevelt: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

The bottom line is this: Bad things happen, and you are not in total control. But, you can control your response to negative situations when they do happen. Asking yourself the right question can help direct your response.

So, think about a negative situation in your life. Ask yourself, “What does this experience make possible?” I would love your comments.

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How Would You Like It?

I was recently invited to visit someone I have always wanted to meet. I’ve heard about the host for years, read articles about him, admired his work, and frankly, been in awe of his scale of operation. He invited a group of people to visit his office; and by association, I then received an invitation to also attend. This was a very exciting opportunity. I immediately had visions of visiting Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and the Grand Canyon at the same time…pure excitement, joy, wonder, and awe!

The only problem is that I didn’t receive my invitation directly from the host. In fact, the host doesn’t know I exist. He only knows my friends who invited me. They knew I would enjoy the trip, so they invited me. I really appreciated the invitation.

But, I want to do many things the host also does. I plan on setting up a shop like his. I want to make more products like him. I want to know more about him so I can learn and grow my business.

But, if I’m going to learn from this host, I want him to offer the assistance. I want him to invite me, host me, and coach me. I can’t visit his shop under false pretences.

But, this is the opportunity of a life time!

And, in the middle of this delima, I was listening to North Point Community Church’s series Right in the Eye, and Andy encouraged everyone to memorize Psalm 119:35-37 – “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”

How timely!

So, I’m not making this trip to visit. God wants me to treat others the way I want to be treated. He wants me to make wise choices and trust him. This is only one trip. I shouldn’t do what is right in my eyes for the sake of selfish gain and forget the One who has richly provided more than I could ever imagine. I am very grateful for reminders that my desire to do what is right in my own eyes has major consequences for me, the people who care about me, and for those coming after me.

The bottom line is this: God wants great things for you, and you find the most freedom under God’s authority.

So, tell me… Consider a once in a lifetime opportunity. Ask, “What are the consequences if I do what is right in my eyes? What story do I want told later?” Please leave a comment.

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Relaunch Introduction

I have relaunched my blog. A year, or so, ago I started a blog called Southern Superfruit. This blog was originally launched to help tell stories about muscadines and my experiences leading a company that processes my family’s fruit. But, one thing led to another, and now I haven’t blogged in almost 9 months! So, I am relaunching my blog as my name. This name change will allow the blog to grow and develop as my life grows and develops. I am writing about organizational leadership, personal development, productivity, relationships, and muscadines. I have been reminded lately that life takes exciting twists and turns, and I want my blog to allow for these changes.
Thanks for joining me.