But of course, we all “want it all.” We want to be free to do as we wish anytime any place. We want to be loved the way we want to be loved. We want happiness ringing throughout the land for all who will receive it. But, mostly we want things to proceed along a path that we have chosen with as little pain as possible. Such is the life of a bodybuilder—mine in particular.
The focus is on July 2015 to be in the best shape of my life that night at the Nationals in Pittsburgh, PA. The process of getting ready is organized, requires discipline and maximum effort. There is nothing “free” here. The expectation is that the path be traversed and that those who love you and support the effort are coming along. Each day brings it’s own set of challenges and there is always a possibility that there will be some challenges that will threaten to destroy you/me and the entire endeavor. These “super” obstacles have to removed or the journey ends.
When we first fall in love with our challenge we seem to have immeasurable amounts of energy and optimism. We plan for our eventual victory with a zeal not previously experienced by us. We do all things in a manner that places the event above all other events in our lives. Our heart and our confidence in our objective makes our nights glorious and our days full of joy and solid expectation. Nothing can stop us.
Our training is off the chart! Our personal discipline and commitment to the goal is unmatched by any previous efforts. The sweat and pain that I endure only serves to motivate me more and to push my already exhausted muscles forward. Life is good and the body is turning to flint. Alignment with the objective changes from being general to straight and direct.
Then, the dreaded and unanticipated obstacle appears. It could take the form of an injury, or lack of psychological intensity in the training that is required. It could arise as a relationship problem with someone close to you that takes your attention off the prize in order to deal with any of the above problems. This is where I/you must decide that these things will not stop you no matter how badly they damage your current Herculean training. The prize must be revisited and all adjustments to continue my quest have to be made. Each of us knows what has to be done when “you can’t have it all” along the way. A perfect path to the top is never and option. We have to decide that we can and will persist on our journey. We have to focus our attention away from the injury whether it be physical or emotional.
Recently, I experienced a major sense of loneliness that translated itself into a feeling of despondency and as a result some very sub par workouts. I’m not absolutely sure what caused the drop in intensity but I can tell you in no uncertain terms that it was devastating and it seemed like the journey would end because, “I didn’t have it all.” My family also suffered right alongside DAD and Doug as I pushed into the darkness and out the other side.
After a couple of weeks the fog began to lift. I dug in HARD being more determined than ever to not let this emotional downturn ever get me again. Even with this determination, there are times when I feel myself slipping into one of these rooms of discouragement. The antidote is ALWAYS to “encourage myself in the Lord his God”
I don’t “have it all” but I am absolutely certain that one day I will “have it all.” This is the objective of my life
This is “OUR TIME.” Stay focused, stay energized, never say no to the WIN! Always say NO to the discouragement of “not having it all.” There is no other way!
In this state of depression, our workouts, though sub par, have to continue. We have to reach down deep inside and grasp the components that are needed to take that next step forward. We have to decide that there is nothing in this world more important than our goal attainment.
When “we can’t have it all” then we have to reach deep to salvage and to apply “what we can.” The key to winning in this situation is found in our hearts. Somebody once said, “Trials don’t make men. Trials reveal the man.” Be determined to be the type of man or woman whose character will be a shining example to all those who come after you. Never give up on your objectives. But, you have to know how to negotiate an obstacle that threatens to derail you.
Reach deep and show yourself what sort of person you are when “having it all” is not an option. Until Next Time!
Douglas E. Graham
Six Pack and Senior 