This week, we will not be delving into the applicability of Maslow, Krauthammer, Harold or the mice and little people. If you have been reading my posts these past few weeks, you may have noticed that I have rediscovered a long forgotten passion, one that I have neglected for far too long, one that I would not have dared to share but for my Parkinson’s. I will let you in on a little secret; when I start writing my post each week, I have no idea where my thought process will take me. Typically, I have a glass of wine and start typing random, rambling thoughts. I tried scotch but it didn’t work as well for a lot of reasons that you can figure out for yourself. This writing for an audience is still new for me and I am delighted that you find this content interesting. My goal each week is to leave you with a thought, or a message, that you can strive for an extraordinary life. You see, each day I have to remind myself of the same; I have to decide not to let my disease define me, describe me or deny me of what I really want. I might as well include you in on the discussion.
Recently, I read these few lines from leadership guru John Maxwell about his philosophy from his website to see if I wanted to subscribe to his blog; we lead ourselves…to fulfill our purpose, we grow ourselves… to achieve our potential, we chase excellence in all we do. There was much, much more, but these three statements stuck with me. I dug a little deeper to see if I could get a pass because I have PD, but as expected, no “out” was given. He didn’t have a special section on his site for those with physical impairments. It would appear that his philosophy takes into consideration that everyone, even in their brokenness, still has the innate desire to fulfill their purpose, achieve their potential and pursue excellence in spite of the challenges they face. Why shouldn’t we? I see no compelling reason why I should suspend my desire to fulfill my purpose or to achieve my potential. Truthfully, I should want it even more than before with one caveat, the definition of my purpose and my potential may be different than it once was and that is okay. Purpose, potential, excellence; that’s it! No mention of perfection or faultlessness.
I had high expectations for this past Saturday, starting with a 5k walk in the morning, yard work in the afternoon, followed by a 10-mile bike ride in the early evening. The weather was perfect. In hindsight, I may have been a bit overly optimistic that I would be able to complete all of these activities. I had a difficult time finishing the walk, in fact I didn’t finish primarily due to poor planning on my part. Near the end of my walk, I experienced an off-episode, the sensation that the meds have worn off, and was not prepared if it were to happen. This was demoralizing; I know better and I know how to prepare for these if they occur. Like I said, I was not prepared and because of my lack of preparedness, I was unable to finish. Yard work followed the walk. I had many chores that were demanding my attention so I spent the day working in the yard as if I were 20-years younger; 4-hours on my knees pulling weeds and cleaning out the planting areas. I was exhausted after doing so and had to reconsider the bike ride. After a few hours of rest, out of sheer determination, I got on my bike and rode for a mere six-miles. Again, I was discouraged that I did not achieve two out of three of my goals for the day, but at the time, I was too tired to care. Sunday, I was reminded of the toll it took on me when I overdo it. I have experienced this same effect many times but apparently it is a lesson that I still haven’t fully learned. I will pay the price tomorrow for what I do today. But to dwell on my limitations and to diminish what I can do would result in a life of emptiness, something I cannot accept now or ever.
This is the message that I want to leave you with today. Living an extraordinary life has little to do with completing arbitrary tasks so that we can check them off the list but it has everything to do with fulfilling our purpose, achieving our potential, and chasing excellence in all we do. My challenge to you for this week is the same as my own challenge; to find encouragement in what I can do and to carry no shame in what I cannot.
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