Giving

Last Saturday we had our Fight Gone Bad fund raiser and it was a great experience seeing all those people gutting it out leaving the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears on the floor while taking nothing but the pain with them. As the name suggests we all knew we were doing this for either someone who can't fight for themselves, or for someone who has already fought for us, and as usually happens I began reflecting. I know I personally set a personal record for that workout and two days later I am still feeling the effects of it, but why don't I live the rest of my life like this workout.

We tell our kids, especially around the holidays that are quickly approaching, that it is better to give than to receive, but if we really believed that wouldn't we live our life giving to others? If it is really to my benefit to give more than I take, then why would I not come home at the end of every day completely empty handed having given of myself to every person I meet? Am I going to be better off staying right on the bumper of the person in front of me on the highway, or would we all be better served if I arrived at my destination 30 seconds later and let someone merge? What if I chose to not let worry, about things I can't change, take my time and start looking around me for situations I can change?

We are all busy and maybe that is part of the problem, that we load ourselves up with so many activities that we are no longer able to take the time to think about others. Like many of our Crossfit workouts, giving often doesn't feel like it is worth the cost while doing it, but it is in the reflection that we realize we are actually happier, more content and more fulfilled after giving. There are so many people in this community both locally and nationally, that have poured themselves into me and my training that I have no reason to leave the gym without giving more than I take. So my challenge for myself is to make a conscious effort to think less of myself and see how much i can gain by giving everywhere I go.