Inertia

It always seems easier just to maintain the status quo, right?  If I keep my head down and nose to the grindstone, everything will be ok.

Short aside moment:  Those of you familiar with the song, “Stick to the Status Quo” from High School Musical may commence singing it now.  And yes, I do in fact make the perfect crème brulee.

I know this is hard for many of you to believe, but I used to be an introvert, so I understand not wanting to step out, make waves, or attract attention.  Really, it’s true.  And now that I have overcome introversion …

I prefer to call things like I see them.  And if something needs to change, stop whining and change it!  I look at this world from a faith-based vantage point.  I have prayed many times over the years for God to change my situation or change my perspective.  He always does.  According to his own timing, of course. 

So maybe I should amend that advice … if something needs to change, stop whining and pray about it.  And, although often easier said than done, follow God’s leading on the subject. 

Somehow magically I now find myself mentoring and coaching people on a regular basis.  And while I observe a certain amount of complaining and/or whining about the status quo, I’ve been drilling down into some more interesting themes.  Exhaustion, depression, lack of belief that anything can change, avoidance of failure by not even trying in the first place, and a downright fear of change.  Wow.  And I’m not judging, because I have my own share of down days, but this is all hardly fruit of the spirit material.  Perhaps I’ve found my calling?

So yeah, inertia.  I can’t make you move.  My doctor told me I’m not allowed to lift anything heavy, like ever again anyway … btw all you boys who have been wanting to carry my books for me, now’s your chance.  And for those of you needing to overcome the object-at-rest kind of inertia, I’m happy to use my loud mouth to tell you … just get it and move already!  Maybe start with a little love, joy, peace, patience …

Urgency

Lots of people have excuses for not taking control of their health now.  I think I have heard them all.  A smattering of lines I’ve been on the receiving end of:

It’s summer.

It’s winter.

It’s the holiday season.

I’ll do it when school is out.

I’m going on vacation.

I’m exhausted.

I don’t have any money.

I don’t have any time.

It’s hard to stick to a diet when I have to cook for my husband and kids.

I don’t really have any health problems.

I just need to exercise more.

I’m just going to count calories.

I’m just going to watch what I eat.

I’m really kind of fat and happy now.

My response to most of these is, “So what?”  Other selected responses:

Have the fam get healthy with you.

It’s 80% nutrition, 20% exercise.

How’s that working for you?

OK, well, good luck with that.

Really???

Better yet … well bless your heart!  Hey, I lived in the South.  J

A few weeks ago I stood next to friends & business partners of mine while they shared some news.  Now we’re in the business of getting people healthy with our company’s nutritional products.  We’ve been doing this for a while.  Sure, we’re in business to make money … that’s generally the point of a for-profit venture.  And the bills need to be paid somehow.  (Rah rah, capitalism!)  But what gets us out of bed every morning, what we’re passionate about, is so much more. 

Friend #1 shared that he received a text – just before he was to get on stage and speak in front of a couple thousand people, mind you – letting him know a close childhood friend had passed away from a massive heart attack.  He was barely into his 40s.  Friend #1 hadn’t talked to him about his health.  Regret sucks.  And grown men crying makes me cry.  Pass the Kleenex.

Friend #2 shared about a relative who has said no to getting healthy for a long time.  At least someone tried, I guess. But now he’s dying, and there’s not a whole lot that can be done.  And it’s just as sad.

What I really want to say to the excuse-makers …

Are you listening to yourself?

I love you, and I want you to be around.  And I’m afraid that you won’t be.

Don’t you want to be around for your family?

It’s a little hard to do God’s work when you’re tired, sick, or dead.