#135🚿 “Painfully” good attitude

Riding the waves of life

Let’s put the “Personal” back into Personal Development

---

Shower thought🚿: Can you have a good attitude through painful circumstances

Miles has a new favorite book (hint — it’s not mine.)

Two weeks ago we hosted friends who live near the beach. We got to talking about kids, surfing, and life. Our kids are the same age (the 2’s). They’re active, learning every day, and just about ready to get on the surfboard.

They’re also developing EQ — Emotional Intelligence. Toddlers emotions range wildly and are expressed uncontrollably. But, unlike some adults, they’re quick and eager learners.

Our friends recommended Mop Rides the Waves of Life: A story of Mindfulness and Surfing.

Timing is funny

It’s funny how life works, when you pay attention. Maybe it was something I was putting out that day, but this book came at the perfect time in my life — both for me and Miles.

I’ve been surfing life. But unlike a skilled, patient surfer — I’m not choosing my waves wisely. I’m riding them all - happy, sad, angry, and anxious waves; all of the highs and lows of being human.

That skilled surfer I’m talking about.
The one who patiently waits for just the right break.
That’s awareness.

Awareness is stepping back and making a choice.

Emotions are fun.
Grab your board and ride — happy, sad, angry, jealous, fear.
Lose control and give in to your wildest impulses.

That is one way to live. YOLO… live out fully all of these amazing emotions and forget about the bad stuff. Push it down. Don’t work on yourself.

Except life isn’t a merry-go-round.
We’re guaranteed hardship.
We’re guaranteed things (many, many things) wildly out of our control.

Awareness is the ability to step back and recognize your situation without acting on impulse.

It’s choosing not to ride every wave that comes your way.
It’s choosing to bail gracefully instead of letting bad waves swallow you whole.
It’s recognizing you own your attitude — and choosing love even in pain.

“PAINFULLY” Good Attitude

Back to my title. Here is the truth —

Your mindset during suffering dictates your degree of pain, the duration you suffer, and impact you have on those around you.

I have run 7 ultramarathons. I understand personal, self-induced physical suffering in a way most will never understand. There is no race at this level where you get out “scot-free”.

But I look back at all 7 races with fond memories. I loved each and every experience, and can acutely remember the intensely beautiful emotions and moments shared on the trail. It’s our collective attitude in each race that determines our outcome. The ultra community lifts each other up and helps each other when we’re down. We focus on the good, without ignoring reality. We share a bond through suffering.

If you are suffering, I feel for you.
We all have our own race to run, waves to catch, and mountains to climb.
We’re in this together.

— Keep moving forward.

---

THANK YOU for making it to the end!

The ColdShower: Weekly ideas for better health, habits, and happiness.