Wow...How Does This Happen

Why is it that the things we know help us the most are the things we often give up doing. Let me explain.

I have a bad back. Any one who knows me well knows I have always been an overly hard worker...especially in my younger days as a carpenter. I was always the dirtiest guy on the job cause I felt like at least the bosses could see that at some point during the day I was doing something (even if it was rolling around in the dirt). When we needed to carry large loads of wood, I always tried to carry one or two more boards than everyone else. I didn't need to, but I wanted to prove that I was a valuable asset to my boss...and rarely in all the years I work as a carpenter did I not have work as a result.

But you know, when you turn 54, all of those extra studs, tons of sheets of plywood, and 4x12 headers seem to have taken a terrible toll on my back. Most days it hurts a little and most days it gets stuck in an awkward position, which makes it difficult to stay active. This unfortunately has been a detriment to my overall health as I find myself not wanting to do a lot of exercise...which makes it difficult to stay in good physical health. It's sort of a downward cycle...sore back...less exercise...less exercise...sore back...etc etc.

So for the last three weeks, I have had a really sore back. It makes it terrible to get down on the floor with the grandkids, tough to want to do projects around the house, and sitting for long periods of time can be really difficult. During that time, I have not walked once, not gone to the gym, and not eaten right...all of which makes everything feel worse. It makes me feel fat and out of shape and begins to effect my overall view of myself and the world around me.

But this morning...enough was enough. Had it. Over it. Nada! No Mas! Finis. I got up and walked. Not to the bathroom or the kitchen...on my 3 mile loop. I was in so much pain for the first halh mile or so, but then my back began to loosen up and I could feel my stride lengthen and my speed increased. Up the big hill and soon I was singing and feeling like Rocky as he topped that set of Philadelphian stairs. I was alive and well and doing great. No more limitations and no more pain. Wow...why didn't I do this earlier?

You know, all of us have something that holds us back from doing the things we know we need. We all have those things that we know if we would just do our lives would just work better. It might be eating, reading, worshiping, praying, loving, sharing, writing, or any thousands of things. We know we'll be better for it...but...sometimes the pain just feels too...well...normal.

Today...why not do something you know you need...but like me...you've been avoiding. Go on...just do it. Now doesn't that feel better.