What matters?

 

This post could go a lot of different ways.  (Be patient and simply understand my take.)

The McDonalds in the parking lot across from us has been working hard with construction/new asphalt.  Soooooooo much money involved in repaving the parking lot and drive through.  They have plenty of it to afford the upgrades to nowhere.  I had a thought to myself.  I do a lot of work to impact lives in a way that actually matters.  That construction company is making waaaaaayyyyy more money, but what true impact are they having?  (You may argue that the workers are impacted and supporting their families)  I get that.  NOT my point!  

Are you creating clearer paths to things that destroy yourself or others?  Or, are you of the mindset to hit a few potholes to truly impact someone's growth?

I will take the people ANY day that make less money, but pour themselves into the things/people that MATTER.

I wish we all got that.  Are you pouring asphalt into a drive thru path that leads to garbage??  Our time and energy are precious.  Pour that asphalt into the things that matter.  Smooth it out, and enjoy a smoother ride into a result of the things that matter.  

Love you all!

Within you

 

"Tiny matters" compared to what is IN you.  Lets make sure what is in us is so big that it explodes out.  

Be in the NOW.  Fill your cup first.  Know and respect what is in you.  Be true to who you are, your purpose, and what fills that cup.

This year has been the hardest year of my life.  But, it doesn't compare to what many other's are going through.  I can still put on a smiling face and invest in others because I am investing in myself.  When my cup is full, I can offer you a drink.

I almost placed a picture of a goldfish out of his tank while lifting it over his head to pour water into his friends tank that had none.  (I opted for the Indians and the visual along with Emerson's quote)

Wow

 

Through many years of life's obstacles, I have learned from and respected the people that simply didn't give up.

This picture could have easily been one of dead wood in a field that rotted away over time.  BUT.....

The termites have no place in my fallen tree. Never give up.  The growth is coming. Never give up.  The miracle is coming.

 You all know that I love David Goggins.  The key is to "be ready" to adjust.  That requires a little to a lot of work on your part.  There are many things already laid out for you.  They are right in front of you, but you have to be in a place of letting go and receiving what is/was always meant for you.

"Somehow", we will get through it and even get excited for what is to come.  FAITH.  Give thanks for what is to come.  I do a gratitude list each morning.  It may not be the things I want, but the blessings I have and know are coming.

List three things you are grateful for today and know your needs will be met.  Be READY.

I had a conversation with a member this morning that lost her Dad a couple of years ago to a heart condition.  Her Dad gave her a dog that is now up in age and going through the same thing and will soon go to Heaven as well.  Her dog was the last connection she had with her Dad.  But, I got the overall sense that she was grateful for the time she had with her Dad and the time/connection she had with her furry friend.  Life is complex.  The goal may be the Lynard Skynard song.... Simple Man, but the reality of life is that it can be complicated with many ups and downs.  With each down, there is an up that will follow.  Stay focused on the good and be READY for the ups that are right under your nose.

Stay strong my friends. Stay after it. I love you all.

Free

 I have to remind myself very often to view the world through the eyes of a child.  Opportunities are endless and there is a brand new lens with new views to be had.  It is up to me to see the new, to see the potential of all in front of me, and adjust the lens to make it clear.  It may mean that I don't need a new camera.  I may simply need to adjust to have clarity.

Its time to take some new photos.  Let us snap away and absorb the landscape we want to see.  We get to adjust the aim of our camera and the subject we want to capture.  

What do you want to capture today with an adjusted lens?

Love you all

Good times

 

I ran into this little guy last night at a member/guest party .  I can't tell you how good it was to see him.  He has always been dedicated and exudes such a positive energy.  He, like the rest of us, has been through a few storms.  He keeps after it while focusing on personal and spiritual growth.  Its been a few years since seeing him, but it was like time had no part in our conversation.  This is a great communnity of like minded people that simply wants the best for each other.  One truth is.... we need each other to get through the journey TOGETHER. One day at a time.  One encouragement and positive reinforcement at a time.

Fresh Start

 We tend to be procrastinators at times.  We have grand visions of what we want to do, and then put it off until "tomorrow".  I've heard countless people put off joining an exercise program until they "get in shape".  Many other scenarios are put off until the feeling of "ready" hits them.

You simply have to DO and DO it NOW.  Today is the day.  Its Monday, the weather is beautiful, and its time to slay the excuses.  We aren't getting any younger and we only have one shot at this thing called life.  We don't even get a single second back.  Lets take advantage of the time we have and ACT NOW.

Love you all.

Balance

 

There is a philosophy in life I’ve tried to hold onto. Work hard and play hard. Balance. I had the privilege of getting to hear Diamond Rio last night. It has been a while since stepping away from work and simply enjoying being entertained. Good company and good music. 

You can pour yourself all into work or helping others, but remember to occasionally reward yourself for the efforts. Recharge, and hit it hard again tomorrow. 

My sister likes to say “check yourself before you wreck yourself”

Stay balanced my friends. Love you all

Fight

 

Who they are dealing with should be someone fighting to be their best self. 

Keep fighting. It requires showing up with your warrior face on. Hitting it as hard as you can hit it. Who they are dealing with is not going to give an inch. Who they are dealing with is going to go ALL out. Don’t walk away from yourself. Fight for YOU!

Closed

 It seems many cell phones are down this morning.....  AMEN.  Use that as a sign you need to get off of that thing for a bit, and focus on yourself.

It has been insane over the last several years watching people "working out" while constantly on their phone.  Get off the phone!  Leave it in the car and focus on only YOU for a bit.  YOU matter.  Listen to the calls and text that come from you to YOU.

Its like the moment before drifting off to sleep at night where you softly reflect and have conversations with yourself.  I challenge you to do that in the gym or in your next workout.  It is a time of investing in YOURself.

Love you all.  Lets getter done....

Next

 There is a past.  There is a present.  What is "Next"?  What you are observing and doing in the present dictates what is next.

What you are telling yourself NOW matters in the "next" for you.  "See" what you want your NEXT to be.  Through action you can BE the "next" you see.  Its on you, and only you.  No more excuses.  Lets chase the "NEXT".....

The dash

 

There is a date on your tombstaone of the date you were born and the date that you die.  There is a dash between the two dates.

What are you doing with the dash?  How do you want to be remembered?  What impact are you making?

It all begins with the impact you are making within yourself.  Be the example you needed to have.  Be the change you wanted to see.  Energize yourself and give it away.  Love.  Be kind.  Grow, and help others grow.  You will be remembered by....................  You get to fill in the dash

Let it go

 There is a truth to life that we have to learn as we get older.  You are not going to move forward until you "Let it Go'.  Whatever "It" is that is holding you back from your own self and forward potential, "Let it Go".

I am in the business of seeing people that embrace this concept.  I am proud to witness and be a part of the process.  The DOers.  

Stay strong my friends.  You are stronger when you let that crap go!  Its easier said than done, but keep at it.  We'll get there.  One day at a time.  One step forward with less weight at a time.   I love you all.

Life is a journey

 Life is a journey full of many ups and downs. There were certainly a few meltdowns, highs, and lows on this adventure. Many emotions hit at different times, but the one we remember the most was the completion. The thing is, you have to begin. Throw your packs on and take the first steps. 

We had planned on making this 31 mile hike last a few days. What we quickly learned is that we had too much weight in our packs. We were carrying far too much for too short a trip. The crazy thing is that we knocked the thing out in less than 24 hours, but we had enough “stuff” to be out there for a week. 

Whether it’s a workout, a hike, or life itself, we may need to simplify and carry only what we need to complete the journey. 

One thing is certain, we aren’t going ANYwhere if we don’t “start”.

Chaos

 

Whether the chaos was created by you, others, or circumstances,  NO one knows but you, alone.  Stop carrying other's expectations, projections, judgements, and misunderstandings.  You know who you are.  Accept people in your life that see and appreciate you for YOU.

Life gets much simpler when you let go of trying to prove yourself.  You are a result of what you have been through and the fight you tackle each day.  

I take great pleasure in taking the trash to the dump.  Its garbage I don't have to deal with anymore.  The same holds true with people.  Take the trash out.  I don't want to carry it around anymore.  Be free.  Walk through what you must and continue to grow into yourself.  No one else's approval is needed.

I spent far too many years being beaten to a pulp because I didn't measure up to someone else's standards.  All the while, consistently fighting to improve and grow.  Take the trash out.  Clean YOUR house and know your worth.  Keep cleaning and growing my friends.  Be in a cleaner environment than the dump.  (The stinch alone is enough to recoil.)  Be in one of encouragement, motivation, positivity, and fresh air.   Make it happen before, you, yourself, end up being taken to the dump.  You didn't walk through the fires of life to end up with buzzards flying over.  

We got this.  Love you all.

Enough

 

The latest addition to project. Sometimes, in life we have to pull the Raven card, fly away, and say “Never More”. 

The question then becomes “where do we fly?”  Away from the charred ashes is the only answer. Fly. Your destination is better than your past. Keep flying. The possibilities and opportunities are endless. Just FLY

Today

 

Enough said. 

Change

 

Sometimes, in order to change, you have to take a chance.  If you are not growing, change is needed.

It can be hard for many people because threy want to hold on to what was/is "familiar".  Just adapt your mind to the word "chance".  You have many chances in life to make changes that will prosper and grow you.  Look for those opportunities and take a chance.  Regret has no place here.  Taking a chance and failing beats the alternative of complacency.  Keep taking chances.  Keep GROWING.  Many lessons and growth can be had with the more chances we take.

Never give in or give up my friends.  Love you all.

Your story

 

What's your name?  We've all been through more than we thought was possible to endure.  Guess what......... we are still here.  And we are here for amazing purposes.  Stop judging and start loving.

I have two sons that are as empathetic as I am.  We observe, feel another person, and simply sacrifice to help.  Its not about "ME".  At a recent golf outing, one son noticed a kid throwing baseball to himself for a lonnnng time.  He stepped out and began throwing the ball WITH him.  We are here to love and serve.  In order to do so at the capacity that is needed, we have to take care of ourselves and give more.  If we all did this, the world would be a better place.  Your heart and body would be in a better place.  Your soul would be in a better place.

Love yourself and love others.  You've NO idea what they have been through.  I am a people person and very much into psychology.  I dig in.  I come across countless people each day, hear their stories, and wonder how they are even surviving.  They are.  Through action and connection.

Let us control what we can control by how we handle what we have been through and do it in such a way that transforms.  Many of us feel like "lone wolves", but we are not.  We are in this together.

There is a drastic difference in the percentage of fitness journeys that fail or succeed based on the pack or lack of.  The same goes with religion or any other thing you may be going through.  LOVE

New toys

 

Bringing a new toy to the club. It came from from my old business. “THE F.A.R.M.”  (Functional Athletic Reform Movement). 

There are many things I can do with this tire that can absolutely transform people mentally and physically. To see the transformations is absolutely why I do what I do. Functional Training is about getting your entire body involved as it was created to perform. There is quite the intertwine that happens when your mind links up. 

What toys do you have that transform you?  Maybe we begin collecting those…..  Enough with the temporary rewards. Let’s do some work on ourselves for the long haul. The goal is the “toy” of our new selves. 

We got this.  Better every day.  It’s a journey, and that journey is not a toy that fades.  It is one that grows in ways you can’t imagine.  Let’s get our mind and body working together in one functional epic journey  

One Body. One Life. What are you doing with yours?

Stay strong my friends.  I love you!

Happy Valentines Day

 Valentines Day for many can be a time of pain vs happiness.  I am in the business of preaching and acting on the things that equate to self love.  

We don't need validation from others to tell us our worth or make us feel valuable.  It is up to you, and you alone to dig deep into what beautiful things make you the unique individual that you are.  Today is a day to celebrate YOU.  Love YOU.  Write yourself a card, go to a quiet place, and celebrate the love that you have for yourself.

Hugs your way.  If you can't feel my virtual hug, hug yourself.  Repeat after me....."I LOVE ME!"

In the beginning

 In the beginning, there was a simple word.  It all begins with a thought and a word.  Your creation is not by accident.  Your purpose is to explore and share the creation within you.  Be a part of something bigger than yourself while also sharing the part of you that makes it bigger.

What word and action can you speak on today that catapults you into the cosmos of all you are and a part of?

There is greatness within and around you.  Do not be distracted.  Stand in awe, and embrace the amazing person you are.  Embrace the impact you will make in the BIG picture.  You are more than simply a "part" of it all.  Own it and embrace all you have around you.

Love you all.

Too young

 

There is a point in everyone's life, where they have a bit of a "Peter's Plan Complex".    We are as young as we feel.  Our minds can be a bit tricky.  Especially when our bodies dont physically match up to our 18 year old minds.  The good news............   We can do something about that.  Stay active.  Keep exploring.  Be aware that we are what we eat.  We are what we DO.  You matter.  Your life matters.  We have a chance every day to control what we can control.  I can live "fast", but for sure know that I am too young to die.

Lets LIVE, and live with the embracing attitude that we are worth it.  Take care of yourselves my friends.

Life is short.  TODAY and your actions matter.  We want you and your impact on the world to last.

Redemption

 Redemption begins with this one simple truth. Know thyself. To thyself be true. You are a poem worth reading. Start writing!  Your story is beautiful 

Refresh

 Sometimes my compuer goes to sleep or freezez.  I have to hit this button.  Sometimes, a reset is needed to even get back to the same screen.

Today is the day to "refresh"  Even if you have to unplug the compuer for a few minutes, and restart it.  It beats the heck out of staring at old or dead information.  Refresh  Life is too short to be staring at a frozen screen!

Purge

 

The “purge” has begun. It’s not done yet. What have you survived to come to a place of survival and howling at the moon?  Tomorrow is a new day. Today, simply embrace what you have survived. You’re still here. A lone wolf that has been through Hell. 

Today, let us give thanks for  our survival and be ready to thrive again. I will keep howling. 

Let it burn

 

As old as this tree is and what it has witnessed, sometimes, you just gotta let it burn. 

Picture the backdrop of this photo and imagine a sunrise and new beginnings. 

I always know, I am talking to someone that needs to hear 

There is a new day. A new landscape. It begins with letting go, and envisioning what is to come. 

Action. Allow, release, envision, and BE. We got this. Trust in, and embrace the process. Love the journey. 

I used to be a “destination” person. Get “there” and enjoy. I have learned that the “there”isn’t until you pause and let the fire consume what was not meant to be in the journey. 

Be YOU, love YOU, and take the time to understand that come fire, rain, or darkness, you are a fighter. The end result of fighting through all results into what you become in the journey is worth scrapping for. Let’s make for a brighter day by embracing the pain. It’s going to be worth it. New life is coming. 

Life

 

Life can be brutal, hard, and charring.  Out of the ashes arises new growth..  Don't remain in the ashes.  Know that you know that you know new growth is about to sprout right in front of you.

Some of the most beautiful forest I have seen came after a forest fire.  For a brief period, it looks as if the apocalpse has happened.  A waste land of black and death.  BUT, it doesn't remain that way.  You want either.  Time to grow.  Just like the forest does it together, we can as well.

Enjoy

 

It’s been a minute since I was able to catch up with this guy. We share quite a few hobbies. I have trained many clients that simply want to do things with their kids or grandkids.  An investment in yourself for a few minutes each day can do that.  You can be active and have fun. Create memories outside of a TV set. 

Having a long drive competition beats watching one. Get out there and DO. Life is worth LIVING 

Truth

 There are a lot of wolves dressed in sheep clothing.  The church service today clarified so much of that.  The truth is the truth.  Don't believe the lies.  Transform your mind to focus on only the good, the kind, the truths.  Do not be afraid to ask, to pray for drastic miracles,or to believe in faith.

People will absolutely shatter you and flip in an instant depending on how the wind is blowing.  They will twist and manipulate the truth.  You don't have to be that way.  Stand firm on the TRUTH.

You are not going to receive if you don't keep asking.  The pastor gave an anolgy with golf and putting on the green.  If you leave it short, you are going to miss 100% of the time.  You gotta go for it.  Be confident, and go for it.  Hitting a pure and confident putt is a sweet feeling.  Life is the same.  Don't allow distractions to distract you from what you know to be TRUE.

It requires you to be brave, but go for it.  Do not leave your goals short..

Love you all.  

Enough

 When is "enough" enough?  You have to get to the root.  You have to come to your own conclusion.  It cannot be decided by anyone but YOU.  

Your own breaking point decides the course of action that you need to take.  The course of action after the breaking point is what decides your trajectory.  When enough is enough, you have to act.  Don't sit in "enough".  Its time to be and do more!

Lets make February fabulous.  We have the choice.  Enough is enough.  Its time!

Love you all

You matter

 This is Kane. He is a beautiful German Shepherd. He has witnessed a few of his friends come and go. I have as well. I watched a couple take their last breaths and bury them in the back yard. 

I met with Kane yesterday. He remembered me and loved me. After all this time and friends of ours meeting GOD, we had a connection. We all do. Connect. Connect to the ones that love you and cherish every second. Life is short my friends. No more standing on the graves of the ones we loved.  Love them NOW.  

Come on Kane. Let’s love on who we have around us now.  

The gym is awesome for that. I’ve heard too many stories lately that inspire my soul. The spirit takes hold, amd we love each other through it.  

What to do

 

Too many people hear and know this, but do not “get it”. 

YOUR lawn. Stop comparing or wishing for your neighbors lawn. Focus. Take care of yours. Control what you can control. Let God do the rest. 

Take care of you. You are what you eat, you are what you do, you are the thoughts you feed your mind, and the words you speak. 

Today, let’s take care of OUR lawn and stop focusing on things outside of our control. 

It will be okay. Let’s simply focus on OUR property.