Originally published 12.24.09
by Featured Blogger Raychelle Muhammad
Certified Fitness Trainer
This year is rapidly coming to a close. Looking back, I can definitely say that that I learned a lot about the people in my life. More importantly, I learned a lot about myself. Like many of you, I am reflecting on everything that has happened, but with gratitude. I am grateful for all it– the good, bad, and especially the ugly.
The “good” has given me hope and affirmation. The “bad” has pushed me to work harder at “getting it right.” The “ugly”, however, has been the most valuable of the three. You see, the ups and downs of life are just a part of the journey. When I am focused and driven, I can take it all in stride. Struggling for balance is what life is all about. The really bad stuff, however, has forced me to see myself and others very clearly. There is no better time to find out who is with you than when you are up and when you are down.
If you will bear with me, I’d like to offer some of my insights.
1) Change is as difficult for others as it is for you.
For any number of reasons, you may not get the support that you would expect from family and “friends” when you attempt to make big changes. Marriage, divorce, having children (or not), new job/business venture, returning to school/graduating, moving, weight loss, and matters of faith will all change who you are, how you look at the world, and how others look at you. Don’t lose sight of why you made your decision. Stick to your guns. Those who love you will come around eventually. Some will stand with you every step of the way. Just give it time, please God, and please yourself.
2) Inputs Equal Outputs
I am learning to slow down a bit, and for me that is huge! I am admittedly the queen of burnout. I figure that if I am going to do something, I have to do it right and all the way. You know, “go hard or go home.” At some point, it is critical to stop and REST. On the flip side of things though, whatever you put into something will determine what you get out of it. Set clear, measurable goals, prioritize them, and assign deadlines. That way, you will be less likely to get sidetracked. More importantly, you will focus your energies on what adds to your life rather than what takes away from it.
Read this full blog at: It Is All Good–Every Last Bit of It!
