To my CenTex FAMILY:

As we slog through the current challenge, trying to make better choices, fighting laziness, fending off sugar cravings, we all begin to ask why?

Why is it so hard to change, why do I want to do this, who cares if I do, how long will I be able to keep on this track ?  Do we really enjoy being sore and beat up more often than not ?

We all need to find our own answers:  Is it that we want others to look at us differently ?  Is this just some vain attempt to stay young ?

I have to admit the reasons above creep into my "motivation".  But, there has to be more.  If not, we are building our fitness foundations on shaky footings.

So what drives you ?  While the answers may sound cliche or cheeky, if they are indeed the honest root of your motivation then share.  Do not just share, but embed them into your brain as the fuel to help push when you feel like giving in.

Truth be told, I like my friends here at the "box".  I like being around everyone of you.  I like the positive energy you share.  I like having others to play with and compete against.  I like that I can dislike you at any given time, but still be your friend, just like family.  I like that I miss all those who have moved on.  I also like having you all admire my efforts when I crush a workout.  I even like that I am secretly driven to do more when you guys stomp me in a WOD.  I like that you help each other when things get rough inside and outside of the "box".  I like that every CrossFitter I have had the pleasure of meeting, greets me as a part of the "clan".

Yes, an ulterior motive is to fend off sickness and disease.  But, in the end it is indeed fear of disease, vanity, courage, pride, competition, being a steward of the body God gifted me with, and quite honestly: the desire to have friends like all of you.

So, when we are in the middle of a challenge and things get tough, I will do my best to NOT let you guys down.     

What motivates you ?  Why are you doing this challenge ?  Great, now remember THAT.     

Heroes

Heroes do exist..........maybe closer than we all suspected.     

 

Loss-LIVE AND LOVE FEARLESS

I must apologize for bringing up the same subject.....but it has really been on my mind all too much recently.

Today, as I watch my daughter struggle to find another excuse to walk a few houses up the street, just to see her best friend one more time, I feel like my heart weighs a ton.
 
Katlyn and Maddie have been the closest of friends for 10 of their 13 years.  Not just regular friends, but as close as sisters, count the days while each other is away, animal loving, change the world together, best friends.  I know she will survive, but in her world this is devastating: HER FRIEND is moving way too far away.  I see her trying to hide the tears and I wonder how am I supposed to fix this.  All I can think is......this sucks !

We all know of LOSS, and there will surely be more losses for her to carry.  I just had no idea how much it would bother me to see her hurt so much.  I also know this does not rank as difficult as losing my Brother or Father.  Or all of the deeply personal losses we all have felt.  Yet, it sure does hurt. 

How does this apply to the "box" and why blog about it ?  One, it is cathartic for me to share, two it serves as proof to a hypotheses I have formed: CrossFit makes us harder on the outside, but softer on the inside.

This is a good thing.  I am more alive when I feel more deeply.  Physical pain is a badge of honor for many of us.  We can no longer envision a workout that does not test us physically.  Likewise, emotional pain has the same effect, it reminds us we are indeed alive.  We are living as we are meant.  We must learn to allow relationships to reach our core.  Just as most of us have the desire to taste our own blood, sweat, and tears in order to feel fully alive, loving without reservation allows us to know who we really are.

Form friendships, let down your guard, become SOFT on the inside.  Care about the person struggling through the workout right beside you.  Some of the best friends I have ever known are right here in this world we call the "box".   

I sincerely hope Maddie will  be able to see her way through this, she will have more heartaches. So, I pray she will not be hardened by them but softened  I hope she can LIVE FEARLESS.  Not just physically, or spiritually but emotionally as well.

I hope we all do.

Friends

For the countless friends I have had the joy of meeting through CrossFit CenTex:

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think..............."Christopher Robin to Pooh"

barbpl Each of you has filled a spot in my memory.  I firmly believe; the purpose of life is to learn to Love God.  Friendships are victories, crowns, awards, memories, building blocks, lessons, gifts we gather on this journey.  All teach us something, all have a way of making us who we are.  As we constantly grow and evolve, friendships shape the new us.  I am a better person for the gifts ALL of you have shared with me.   CrossFit CenTex in the early days.  A photo I will always enjoy for the many faces who have now moved on.