Finding Inner Strength through Perseverance

Wow! What an incredible and challenging past couple of weeks we have experienced as a family. Two and half weeks ago we all became really sick with a variety of upper respiratory infections, and we all ended up going to our doctors and taking antibiotics to get rid of this terrible stuff. Needless to say, I was not able to attend the gym for ten days, and finally mid-last week I was able to go back to the gym, only to discover that my endurance was poor, and basically the gym equipment was kicking my butt! This was very discouraging because for along time workouts have not been that difficult for me, and I have been preparing for the Relay for Life Race, which is in a couple of weeks. However, after having an internal dialogue with myself and reading the sequel from "Running with Angels" I started to feel better again and started building up my endurance once again. Here are a few of my favorite quotes that I liked from the book. I find this author to be very inspiring and motivational.

1. "While running or exercising I have often reached a point where my body has cried out to simply stop and give up. However, I have told myself don't think, don't stop, run."

2. "Anticipating challenges or temptations, we can prepare to meet them, instead of waiting for the crisis to decide how we will react. There will always be stones, boulders, and at times brick walls to face on our road to well-being. If we are blindsided by some circumstance we haven't foreseen and get knocked down, our challenge is to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and keep going."

3. "So, if we can't avoid trials and disappointments what are we to do? Give up? Offer excuses? Spend our days feeling sorry for ourselves and asking why? Or are we going to move foreward, accepting with patience that which life deals us and making the best of things?"

4. "Inner strength comes when we are willing to persevere. We can pray for increased strength that will come as we demonstrate our willingness to work hard to improve our physical and spiritual health. And it will come. Of that we can be sure!"

I have loved reading these books. The author has such powerful insights and wisdom. This week I'll once again be back at the gym, but this time I will have more patience with myself and continue to build up my strength and endurance.