PERSONAL DOMAIN
Well, well, well. Accountability time. Looking in the mirror and it’s time to re-calibrate. It’s not a reboot really more of a tuning things in. The photo above, I haven’t been able to accomplish much since falling ill approx Feb 11. Since that time I was ill for the better part of 10-14 days with flu like viral symptoms, then laryngitis set in and as of today my voice is about 50-60 percent back. I have had 3 COVID-19 tests and each has come back negative. During my walk I was able to finish listening to the Audio book called Stillness is the Key (by Ryan Holiday) – in the book a few notable chapter made me laugh because that is what I am actively doing:
- Enough
- Say no
- Take a walk
- Build a routine
- Get rid of your stuff
- Seek solitude
- Be a human being
- Go to sleep
- Find a hobby
Liz and I have talks around some of these topics and its interesting to me how she and I tend to identify things for us together or as individuals then we come across books, or wisdom, or advice that validates or strengthens our personal findings. This book is an excellent adventure in personal development dynamics. What I am finding about triathlon is there are 3 sports or disciplines:
- Swim
- Bike
- Run
BUT! There are so many other disciplines and domains that intersect. That is why I appreciate the approach from the Crushing Iron community. Some of what I am terming the 4th discipline are:
- Nutrition
- Personal Development
- Self-care and growth
- Headspace
- Mindset
- Be Present, Still, engaged
- Limiting inputs (decluttering and minimization)
- Allowing space for grace
The 4th discipline is truly Return on Investments (ROI) and one of the most interesting things is that the sport of long course endurance sports like Triathlon, Ultra or other types of adventures in Wanderlust offer a participant more than what a participant often puts in. Over time I think many come to realize this and then begin to move beyond the altruistic and self-centered focus and a shift toward understanding and leveraging and ultimately being overwhelming grateful to the returns. That often drives us to help and volunteer and become a triathlon or other event ambassador. It moves us beyond the self-centeredness that we initially may find ourselves as we beat our chests saying ‘This is who I am’ and slowly move towards this is something I do and I am grateful for what it teaches me during my journey. I find that for me many of the ROI’s allow me to focus and discipline myself. Further it provides me a conduit that persuades me to persistently reduce inputs and prevents me from becoming overwhelmed. It often drives me toward the over simplified truth from Frozen’s Anna and Elsa characters –
Just do the next right thing!
So precisely to this re-calibration, I will try and return to weekly writing and journaling updates on Monday(s) and maybe a few topics and writings in between. I feel good mentally. I think my almost walk off the course during my 2017 IM St George (70.3) event is very telling of how I almost burnt out. After that I spiraled in good triathlete headstrong fashion, and dug a deeper hole prepping up to do a 100 mile ultra endurance run (the Bear 100). Buying our current home, disrupted that process – thank heavens – as it only was digging me deeper mentally and physically. However, the silver lining was understanding that mentally I need some self correction. Okay, let’s be honest – I was burnt out, and now I am ready to re-focus and get back to things, where I can! Sure I have work to do, especially as a parent, but it has fostered an opportunity for me to grow and improve. That’s the thing about triathlon. Sometimes in our blindness, we find via a misstep or having our proverbial hand forced into giving myself grace, and that is an ROI that is hard spent. The blessing in disguise that I see is that it comes from a domain where it isn’t super harmful to my family or my support structure. It allows me to be humble, and to be confident. A great recipe for avoiding the douchebag monster that I always am struggling to keep at bay.
What’s going on with my voice?
That is precisely what i would like to know. ITs about 60 percent. I tried to participate by voice on a zoom call today and it was quite the Darth Vader effect. I try to maintain a strong level of communication at work while using typing, but man, vocalizing is so much more effective in my line of work. Further, it takes more effort to be concise in writing. Well, as a lot of my writings go I start and then get disrupted. As of Tuesday morning, I’d say my voice is about 70 percent there. So I need to keep up with fluids as I have 2 long work meetings that are working sessions with critical customer partners. The good news is my voice is coming back. My sister last night was like, if this is your new voice, its going to time time to get used to, a lot of time Shane. lol. Thanks Sis! Blue October !
Sometimes disruptions prevail
So last night, I was actually trying to make it to the pool for the first time since Feb 10. This is the longest break I have taken in some time, but here I am. So, Liz and I thought things were ok. I get to the Sports Academy and Racquet Club (SARC) and well that is when I get the text from my loving wife – “these kids!”. So, I turn and head back home to help. Of course by the time I arrive, like she said, they will all be asleep, which was mostly true. But the ‘witching hour’ is real and sometimes, it just happens. I did help the girls get into their beds, the magic unicorns sleep sacks we got them today, helped transport them tot heir beds.
One of the frustrations of being a family Dad/husband and hobbyist is managing what is most important. Even though I am sure, Liz was frustrated that I chose to come help, it was the ‘right thing to do’ in the moment. Sure I got back and things had settled, but I want to make sure my family understands that I understand what is/isn’t important.
So now I will see where I can get to. See what today and tomorrow brings. Time to get to work, where I can and establish patterns and consistency. It isn’t that epic, nor is it the sexiest new thing, but it is what move needles and shapes character. Giddy up!
