So, upon reaching home, I quickly grab my swimming attire and in less than 10 minutes, I am already dipped into the pool and heading for a 20 laps swim. The water was not as cold as I thought. The swim was also smoother than I feared (somedays I struggled to complete). Somehow, I would compare running with swimming, both exercises that I like but tend to give more time to running. Reason? Well, running on the road provides me with the scenery (although it is the same after a while) and thus I like to run different routes to stimulate my mind. Swimming in the pool , lap after lap , to me require more discipline and effort. Beside stopping at the side to adjust my goggles, if necessary, I am basically going round and round , lap after lap till I am done. The inner conversation I had when I am swimming differs from when I am on the road running. Each traffic light, I had to stop for a minute or two, allowing me to catch my breath and pause.
Swimming, I do not have the luxury.
If I continue to stay put and think of should I go run or swim this morning at the doorstep, I probably would end up staying at home. It so happened I am now reading Results by Jamie Smart , an interesting book. Action provides direct feedback while theories in the head remain where it is. Hmm, I have build a habit for that in my running. I could get out of the house automatically when days where I feel lethargic and do not want to exercise. I guess I have to switch running to swimming as well.
One compelling reason for me to take action or motivates me was my goal - to attend my kids and their children wedding, a tall order for most people. In order to achieve that, I need to ensure my body is at its best, both physically and mentally. I allow the goal to come alive in my present thought, imagine what it would be like when that day becomes today. What would I be wearing? What would I say when asked to give a speech? Who is around me at that time?
According to NG, it is loyalty to the unseen that makes our reality. That means staying on the journey, no matter what happens and that requires a lot of discipline and resilience. Assumption (living to age 120) when persisted (loyal and keep on going on) will harden into facts (the reality).
Thank you Lord for the wonderful lesson!