I was talking with a friend a few weeks ago about her almost 90 year old Uncle who suffers from Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system and symptoms can lead to muscle loss and paralysis. She explained how at one point he was paralyzed, but treatment helped him regain some mobility.
He now goes to the gym EVERY DAY because exercise helps him stay mobile. To look at him you would believe he was completely able-bodied with no issues at all, but it’s quite the opposite. While he suffers from pain and a debilitating syndrome he finds a way every day to press through it all because he knows that is what is best for his life. Is it hard for him, I’m sure it is. Would it be easier to just give in to the syndrome feeling hopeless, of course… but instead he presses on to have the most optimal life he can.
It occurred to me as we were talking about him that I am full of excuses. Here this 90 year old man gets up every day and hits the gym to assure that he has the ability to walk and have an ideal life, and I seem to have no motivation at all lately. I know good and well what I should be doing, but instead I get wrapped up in silly games or something else completely unproductive. I am well aware that it keeps me from moving forward in life, but the idea of it being more “fun” and “easier” keeps drawing me back in. The truth of the matter is I’m just being lazy because it’s comfortable and easygoing instead of pressing on to do what is right and necessary to move up in life.
If we are honest with ourselves I believe we’d realize so many of us today have lost that “go get it” mindset. Somehow our culture has become complacent. They don’t want to put in the extra effort in to get better! They are satisfied with being mediocre and year after year with every generation it gets worse. Now, yes, I am aware there are still those in every generation that fight the good fight, but on average it seems people have become satisfied with being so-so. It’s become the norm to follow the crowd and settle for less because it’s easier.
As I stated in my “Moving on Up” blog I want my 39th year of my life to be about purpose and drive. I don’t want to keep settling for mediocre on repeat! I want to step up and move forward onto bigger and better things! Even though it’s not always going to be easy for me or fun I know if I press on the growing pains will eventually stop and a new me will arise! I want to learn from my friends 90 year Uncle to get up every day and do what I need to do to have the best life I can. Even if it’s hard, even if it hurts, in the long run it will be better!
It truly takes discipline, determination and perseverance to put down whatever is holding you back and rise above it onto bigger, and better things! You may have a debilitating syndrome, a lazy spirt, an addictive habit or a million other things pushing against you… but we can ALL find that inner God given strength to step up and do what we know is best for our lives! Growing pains are painful and when you are growing into a new, better you… it’s hard! It’s easier to just give in, but giving in also only keeps you where you’re at on repeat! Are you also stuck on repeat living a life that is easier because it’s comfortable, but you know it’s also holding you back? Tap into the motivation of my friends 90 year Uncle and decide today to live EVERY DAY disciplined, determined, and purposeful!
I want to live with that much passion, don’t you?
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