A short while back, JP sent me a private message and reminded me that I was nearing 1,000 posts in his forum. Over at Men's Health it became a tradition to post something special when you reached a milestone post. That tradition has not caught on as much here, but since JP took the time to remind me, I figure it was a command performance. Besides, who the hell wants to disappoint such a nice guy. So, here it is, for what it's worth, my 1,000th post here at the JP Fitness Forum.
Good morning, guys.
Most of the people reading this post have made some sort of commitment. They have determined that a course of action was necessary to improve their lives; improve their health; improve their well-being. Many have followed through on that commitment to a degree which surprises even them. They take stock of their lives, perhaps a look in the mirror, and maybe a little soul searching, and find that things are better than they used to be to a lesser or greater degree. There may be an element of pride and a sense of accomplishment in the changes that have been made, the transformations that have occurred. Why not? Nothing achieved through hard work, determination and sheer will is less than phenomenal, if only to the person who achieved it. The world around us is populated by the negative, the “I can’t do,” the “I wish I could,” the “if I had the time.” This is the mantra of those who have given up before they have even tried. These are the quitters, the makers of excuses and the fabricators of self-defeat.
When you have pursued a fitness or nutrition path for any period of time, you will eventually hear the dreaded word from their lips. It will sneak into a conversation. It will surface in a friendly chat. It will raise its head in an offhand remark. And, what is more frustrating when you hear it is that it will often come from the very lips of a friend, a co-worker, a family member or a loved one. Oh, it’s usually cloaked in a mantle of humor or the trappings of a jest, but the meaning is there, and often the intent is keenly felt. The word, quite simply, is “obsession.”
When you hear it, you can easily slough it off as one of those uniformed remarks that people make, but deep down it can plant the seeds of concern. Tucked away in the back of your mind it can work its will to undermine your resolve. Registered in the file cabinet of your life it sits there waiting to be accessed again and again, to fuel your doubts.
The dictionary has several interesting takes on the word. The primary definition, a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling. The secondary definition, a compelling motivation. The first is often what is behind the comments from others. For me, the second is the way I see my fitness journey. It’s all a matter of perspective. If you think you are obsessed, chances are you have already crossed the line. What form that obsession takes is up to you.
- If you can lift heavy weights to build your strength, but cannot take the time to help a neighbor lift a piece of furniture, you are obsessed.
- If you have developed your speed and can run like the wind, but cannot run to help a friend in need, you are obsessed.
- If you are fit and trim and eat all the right foods, but cannot have a piece of cake to celebrate an important occasion with your family, you are obsessed.
- If you have, through many hours of hard work, increased your endurance, but cannot endure the time to listen to a loved one tell you about their day, you are obsessed.
- If you have strong arms, but cannot stoop to pick up a child and enfold it in your embrace, you are obsessed.
- If you have built your body into a well-oiled machine and act like one, you are obsessed.
On the other hand , if you use what you have built through all the hours of hard work. If you take that strength of body, mind and spirit. If you harness that speed and endurance and use it in ways that you never thought possible, you know what? You are still obsessed.
But what a magnificent obsession.
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In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler
__________________ In Fitness & Friendship, MAHLER
______________________________ __________________________ There is no light at the end of the tunnel. You carry the light with you.
You've celebrated your 1000th post with great style and wisdom, and touched our hearts in the process. Thank you!!
__________________ The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. -- Carlos Castaneda
There are alot worse thing to be obsessed with than health and fitness. But there is a definite line that each of us crosses at some time or another....and you must not be afraid to enjoy what life has to offer.
Well said, John. Congratulations on the milestone post.
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Those that can't do teach. Those that can't teach consult. Deserve aka Gabe
'8 replies before the gutter! Good job Clubhouse!!!!!' Ninjabookey
Rest and relaxation can be a powerful “nothing” to propel us to greater achievements. Mahler
Stop listening to your wiener. He may want to go for a swim, but you haven't checked if the waters are shark infested yet. Ninjabookey
Location: Philly on one side, Pittsburgh on another, the Green Between...
Posts: 5,857
I don't always comment on the MMMM, but I read them every week. Thanks for being a bright spot in my week, John. I have enjoyed our friendship, and look forward to many more posts that exhibit the quality, thoughtfulness and proper grammar and usage demonstrated by this one.
Thanks for posting, John. Before I read the definitions, I thought to myself, "Yeah, I am obsessed." I haven't always been, and it's felt good voer the last year or so to buckle down and be more consistent in the gym.
Thanks for putting the proper perspective on teh obsession that is our health.
Thanks for posting, John. Before I read the definitions, I thought to myself, "Yeah, I am obsessed." I haven't always been, and it's felt good over the last year or so to buckle down and be more consistent in the gym.
Thanks for putting the proper perspective on teh obsession that is our health.
Thanks for posting, John. Before I read the definitions, I thought to myself, "Yeah, I am obsessed." I haven't always been, and it's felt good over the last year or so to buckle down and be more consistent in the gym.
Thanks for putting the proper perspective on the obsession that is our health.
Thanks Mahler. Way to set a trend in motion. Do such a great milestone, that we are all too intimidated to follow suit. Seriously though, I appreciate you on so many levels. I think I speak for everyone in here when I say that my life is richer knowing you.
Mahler-an inspiration as always. it puts things in perspective. what's the point of having something if you're not willing to share it with others? Great MMMM as always-thanks for all the inspiration
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"Rust on a nail builds tetanus. Rust on a barbell builds character, strength, and attitude." -EC
"Don't spend your life wishing. Spend it doing." -FishrCutB8
"You're a mutant, like a snake with two heads or a cat shy one nipple. Be thankful that your mutation is helpful." - LD
John, yet another reason that you remain one of my heroes. Thanks, bud.
Rob
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"Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right." - Henry Ford
"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss
"Life is no brief candle to me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." - George Bernard Shaw
Thanks for the welcome.
I have to say, this is a unique forum - an immense amount of well-rounded experience, with none (o.k., little) of the impatience you see on other sites. It's a daily stop for me now.
I look forward to learning as much as I can cram into my Cranium.
...and Chris - we're everywhere!
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Fall down seven times, get up eight. -- Japanese Proverb
John, beautifully written. I just want to say it is a pleasure to know you. There are two types of motivated, there is, I started working out and I'm sticking with it motivation, then, there is I do HIIT while I mow my lawn Mahler Motivation. I am glad to know any time I think of skipping a workout, there is someone out there that would kick me in my butt, and tell me to get out there and mow the lawn.
Its a pleasure to call you my friend,
Josh
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Your accomplishments can only be as big as your heart.
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