I spent a weekend in the beautiful countryside and rolling hills of Northwest Jersey. It was extra special because I was there for an event hosted by my younger brother Todd who lives in San Diego. It's fun to see people we care about doing what they love and changing the world. Todd found his niche and is a coach/personal trainer to many of the most talented and accomplished athletes in the world and is a motivational speaker and leader in the fitness industry.
GET YOUR MIND RIGHT is his favorite slogan and motto.
I've heard this phrase more times than I can count but last weekend I heard it in a whole new way.
When I heard it this time, I had an epiphany....A moment of clarity. Insight. Inspiration!
Still not exactly sure how it happened but it seemed to come in a flash.
After our two hour morning motivational and inspirational talk, we came together for a one hour fitness workout culminating with a BIG challenge. PRIZES and all.
Then I heard WALL SQUATS....
Have you ever done a wall squat? Back flat up against the wall with knees bent at a 90 degree angle so it looks like you're sitting in a chair.
My mind went right to..."OMG those are hard. OUCH this is gonna hurt. I'm not good at those. Ok, maybe I can do this for a minute or two at the most."
In a room of over 100 people, (mostly fitness pros), I wasn't expecting too much from myself initially. The energy in the room was crazy off-the-hook as the challenge started and Todd was coaching us over a microphone to GET OUR MIND RIGHT!
- Something shifted.
- I closed my eyes.
- I breathed into the intense sensations.
- My self talk transformed into..."I can do this. My legs are STRONG! You got this."
I remembered to BREATHE INTO the pain and not fight it-something my sister Pam, a Labor/Delivery Nurse and Lamaze teacher taught me over 30 years ago.
I rubbed my trembling thighs as sweat was pouring off me.
I didn't give up several times when I wanted to.
I hung in there for 17 minutes.
Hard to believe but it's true. Wall Squats for 17 minutes. I DID IT!
I didn't win the challenge. There were 7 people (beasts!) who hung in there and they called the challenge after 45 minutes. Seven people won. They wouldn't give up but it had to end so we could have lunch. Crazy right?!
My big takeaway....Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right!
We have two voices- one on each shoulder. LISTEN MORE to the WHISPERS from your SPIRIT than the SHOUTS from your EGO!
It's our choice which we listen to...
It's not easy in this crazy loud world to get still and hear the whispers but give it a try if you want to discover what's truly possible!
To all my Therapeutic Touch clients, co-workers, family and friends...many of whom are going through very challenging times. Get support. Dig deep. Do what it takes. Stay positive. Don't give up. GET YOUR MIND RIGHT. We are here for YOU!