Holding the Line

Why is it that I always have something to say EXACTLY when I should be getting ready for work, or going to bed, or fixing dinner? Like right now...I should be getting ready for work.

That theme falls in step and relates loosely with what's on my mind this morning  It occurs to me that many of us adjust our lifestyle from crisis to crisis, instead of holding the line steady during crisis, thus ensuring the boat is still tied to the dock when we emerge on the other side. If we're constantly adjusting, our horizon is constantly shifting, our goals become obscured, and we finally lose our way altogether.

I know, because I lost my way, and I just now realized it.

We all have crises in life --- true, legitimate crises. We have them all the time. They will always be there, and they will always demand our attention. They will always bid for a position as our highest priority, and they will always drain us of our greatest resources:  time and energy.

But our life's goals cannot, must not, be compromised by each crisis that comes along, no matter how legitimate.

My recent personal experience is an example of that exact error. In October last year, I was approached by a recruiter for a new job. It took about six weeks to work through all the interviews and applications, accept the job, get through orientation, and out into the field. It was dramatic and all-consuming, and huge in my life. I made the mistake of putting everything else on hold "just until I get through this job change."

It was Thanksgiving time when I finally made the transition, and then we were thrown into the whirlwind of the holidays. I put everything on hold again "just until the holidays are over."

I was just "making plans" to "get back on track" -- do those phrases sound familiar? -- when my brother had a horrific, fiery racing accident on February 13, and we nearly lost him (read about his ordeal, or donate to gofundme here: /http://www.motorsportsnews.net/columnists/stephen-cox-blog/trapped-burning-race-car-part/).

So, I've been putting life on hold "until things get back to normal" for my family. Again.

Let's just get real and track this decline: In October I stopped eating properly, I stopped going to the Life Wellness Center for therapy, I stopped exercising, and I stopped effectively meal planning. It was just for a few weeks, until I got through my job change.

Now it's March. I still haven't resumed a proper diet, I am still promising the Life Wellness Center that I'll be back soon, and I still have great plans to exercise again. Oh, and I'm really serious about not eating out so much. Right away... just as soon as my brother gets well.

Really?

I had legitimate crises in life, one after the next. But I have news for all of us in crisis:  the emergencies will keep coming. There will always be a good reason why I cannot achieve my goals this month. I'm starting to see why I cannot adapt and adjust my lifestyle at every turn to accommodate the crisis of the day.

The answer? I think I have to hold the line, no matter the weather. I have to write down the coordinates of the goal, and keep it in view, no matter if the waves roll into my boat. I might have to row a little more slowly while I bail the water out, but the coordinates don't change, and I never stop looking at the goal. Progress might be a little slower at times, but there must always be progress. Progress in my spiritual walk, progress in my physical health, progress in my push toward a timely retirement.

The key is progress. The goal doesn't change. Crisis does not exempt me.

Just something to think about.