Sunday, February 12, 2012

Know where your
playing field is.

The other day I was working out and I was struggling to reach a workout goal I had set for myself. A brief thought flashed through my mind: “This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done” (I was really pushing myself, after all).

Then I realized something. No, what I was doing in my workout was extremely hard but it WASN’T the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve faced tougher challenges in life. And, while I was working out, I remembered one particular challenge that was tougher — physically and mentally. By thinking about that other experience, I was able to redefine how challenging I thought my workout was and it helped me to realize “If I made it through a tougher challenge, I can make it through this”. Sure enough, it was the gas I needed to keep pushing.

Later, I reflected on this experience and realized how much it was like football (or any sport). It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and for that one single experience to define your reality. But the more successful people will always keep the full field in mind.

Think about your most difficult experience ever and your happiest experience ever. Make those the two goal posts in your playing field. Then, as life takes you on its complicated, circuitous, and sometimes-good-sometimes-hard journey, keep your eye on the full field.

There will be times when you experience something harder or happier than ever before — and that will redefine your field. That’s okay. Just recognize how the playing field has changed and measure everything by that new perspective.

Received in a newsletter from Happy Self

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just had to write and tell you how proud I am of you,Patty, and all of your accomplishments. I know you are a lot smarter than me but that you always let me think I was the smart one in the family. I am so thankful that you married me and that you and I had five children and they all turned out so well. A lot of credit goes to you, your values and you love for them. I am so happy that the lithe young lady jumped up on the hood of that car. I loved you then and love you now. You do more for me than move wives do for their husbands. Without you I would need another computer to tell me which pills I should take on what days. I really do love you and all that you do for me.

I just wish I would think to tell you how much I love you every day. I do try, and have you noticed, thank you for the meals you prepare and I also try to say, "thanks" when you do something for me. I hope you know I appreciate all of those things you do.

I had to write a note to tell you that I moved to WordPress, lock stock and barrel and quit Google. But I have since found a way to have a Blogger blog without actually letting Google own me. But I am at the following places on WordPress and don't really want you to feel obligated to stop over.

iamabrahamlincoln.wordpress.com
brookvilleohio.wordpress.com
abirdblog.wordpress.com
writing25letters.wordpress.com

I hope the sun keeps on shining on you and you end up at the end of the rainbow where all the treasures in life are all around you. You deserve them and then some. Love you, Patty.

Lady Di Tn said...

Good Advise and the comment from Abe is Priceless. Peace be with you.

Patty said...

Thank you Abe. Yes we've come a long way in almost 57 years, some good times, some bad times and a lot of in between times. As far as another computer to help you remember when to take your pills, that wouldn't work, since you don't even know which ones to put into your pill keeper and then you would have to enter that information yourself into the computer. LOL So I guess you better take good care of me, so I can keep reminding you about your meds and doctor appointments and etc. Love you to.

Anonymous said...

Thanks sweetie.

Anonymous said...

sweetie

Carole Barkett said...

Sounds like a good plan and a good marriage :O)

Clytie said...

I actually had a comment about something in this post, but then I read Abe's wonderful comment and realized not only did I forget what I was going to say, but I had to wipe my eyes before I could see the computer monitor anyway! You guys are an inspiration!

Clytie said...

Now I remember what I was going to say about the post! - it was the part about sports ... how it's easy to forget the big picture and get caught up in the moment ... I've always wondered about how it can be said that someone scored "the winning goal/basket/whatever" ... when, if it hadn't been for the FIRST point scored, the last one may not have been the "winning" one! It reminds me that life builds on the hardships and triumphs of our whole lives, not just what we're facing right now.