Friday, January 7, 2011

One Man's Trash......


Yeah, Yeah, I know. I'm back, and that's the most important thing. Ok, here it is. My New Year's Resolution is to blog more. How ironic. A fitness instructor vowing to spend more time sitting on his butt. Somehow doesn't seem right, does it?

There comes a time in our lives when we need to sit back and take stock of what we've become, in relation to what we want to become(uh oh heeeeere we go). As we get into the first week into the new year, now seems a good time for yours truly.

We all come from all walks of life. We live our lives in different ways, for different reasons. The question at the top of my mind right now is, "Why?" Why do we do what we do? Recently, my best friend challenged me to seek that answer in terms of my own life.

Years ago, the answer would have seemingly been impossible to find. The main reason behind that was, I didn't care enough to seek the answer. Things are a bit different now. I'm a bit older (shut it), and a bit more in tune to what I want to gain from this existence.

As a Personal Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor, almost all aspects of my job involves interacting with others. The group exercise aspect requires that I sprinkle a bit of entertainment into what I'm trying to accomplish. Being "center stage" is part of the program, there's no denying that. My friend suggested something that caused me to reflect on my purpose. The words "seeking the spotlight", and "craving attention", were offered as part of the reason. These were very harsh words, considering it's been a very long time since I did anything for the sake of attention. I have been guilty of this in the past, and I fear that sharing certain information about my past led to this perception, that has unfortunately evolved into my friend's reality. I do not regret divulging this information, because it is imperative that a certain "openness" exists in any relationship, friend, or otherwise. I could go off on some wild tangent, but I'll stick to the subject.

I'm not quite sure why others that do what I do, do what they do(huh? what?). I can only speak for myself. I won't offer details, because to some of you, it will simply confirm your belief that I'm a bit nuts. I will though, offer the following.

A couple of years ago, I took the opportunity at the beginning of a new year, to regain control of my life. Not that I was spiraling out of control, but I was sauntering aimlessly through my world, crossing bridges as I found them. The time came, when I had to set a specific course, that would lead me to where I ultimately want, and need to be. At present, I live my life with three very simple rules. First, there MUST be meaning, purpose, and belief, attached to everything I do. All three have to exist at the same time, or I just don't do it. My reasons for doing what I do, have to be understood by me, and me only. Everyone else just has to love and trust me enough to accept them. Second, I MUST remain true to myself. There are a lot, and I mean A LOT of false truths in this world. What is seen on the surface, at times needs to be qualified in order to be processed correctly. Imagine doing research in which the margin of error is so great that the outcome is irrelevant. Imagine a case study, in which the data you are given is not complete, or worse, not correct. The one and only proper thing to do, is re-evaluate your data.

Oh yeah, my point. The point is this. At a very early age, we were all taught to not judge a book by its cover. I could offer so many boring cliches, but I'll only offer one more. Take it with you. It's my third rule. Many treasures are found in trash heaps, if you are willing to dig deep enough.

I know I've used this in the past, but it bears repeating. A jeweler can tell a real diamond from a fake, because the fake ones have no flaws.

Seek, and you shall find....the truth. Have a great day.

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