Embrace The Suck

"Does it ever get any easier?" I asked the two runners I had just met on the trail as we stopped to exchange greetings.

I'd been increasing my exercise routine weekly and was now up to running 35 minutes straight.  I was huffing and puffing as we talked.

"If you never push yourself, yes, it will get easier.  If you just continue at the same pace though, you won't gain much", said the one who looked like she was an experienced runner.

"It sucks no matter what you do", said the other girl who seemed to be sweating and huffing, like me.  I could relate to her.

"JUST EMBRACE THE SUCK" she finally said with a sigh and a frown.  We all laughed.

                            

Yep.  Anytime we try to reach for our dreams, calling, desires...whatever we think we were created to do, there are times when it just sucks.  

Using the running analogy, it's rarely 'fun' to get up at 5:00 a.m., pray, eat some protein and then head out to the trail by 6:00 a.m.  I feel like I'm going to die most of the run.  Every day I feel like I just can't make it but I keep going. I sweat like a rainstorm and breathe heavy like a dragon minus the fire coming out my nostrils. I've never been a long distance runner so it's taking me a while to build up stamina.

When I am finished with this self-inflicted torture, the pay-off is worth it.  My mind is having a hay day and the good chemicals in my brain are being released.  I write songs, blogs, plan concerts, design merchandise and get new marketing ideas - all while I'm dying in my body.  

There's another payoff to all of this...at least when it comes to exercise.  I am losing weight.  My clothes are fitting better AND I'm heading toward reaching one of my many goals for the Christmas show in December.

Do I love getting up early to work on my goals?  Nope.

Do I love sweating a flood worth of water when I run? Nope.

Do I hurt when I get back? Yep.

Do I like when my jeans fit better? Yep.

Do I like the creativity my mind engages in while I exercise? Absolutely!

Do you want to win at what you think you were created to be and do?

Sorry....you're gonna have to...ya know...embrace the suck.

"The Elephant Diet" Day 119 Camping, Cabins and Coffee

St. Timothy's cabin where I am staying at Camp Lamar.

So here I am in Lockhaven, PA leading worship all week at Camp Lamar. I have a cabin all to myself this week and to be honest, though I brought lots of work with me to do during the day, I crashed most of the day on Monday. Maybe it was the rain on the roof, or the low clouds keeping the sun away and the temptation to just completely disengage from life, but I found myself sleeping most of the day.

I'm on a marathon of music for 14 gigs this month and I arrived at camp Sunday night a bit weary, missing my husband and wondering how I'm going to make it. Today I decided to go to my favorite coffee shop in LockHaven and get some work done. Staying in my cabin will only make me want to sleep more.

It's been a delightful experience. I chose a round table at the coffee shop and there was a gentleman already seated there. Soon others joined us and I found myself chatting with locals about motorcycles, life and sharing German chocolate fresh from Germany. I came with lots of work to do, but I have thoroughly enjoyed chatting with people at Avenue 209 Coffee Shop.

I have been working on the Christmas project when I can. I listened to my vocals on the way up here on Sunday and though there are a few slight changes I'd like to make, overall, I am happy with the work I did a few weeks ago in TN.

I soon need to head back to camp for lunch. It's been nice to hang out in town and reconnect with the world. It's also been nice to disconnect in my little cabin and rejuvenate in time for the evening sessions at camp.

Avenue 209 Coffee Shop in LockHaven, PA