After several minutes of beinng in my own little world, the voices around began to get louder and more direct. I guess I spaced out a little. I only remember saying yes I can and yes I will! After high fiving everyone, I discovered that I had agreed to enter a local bodybuilding contest.
YIPES!
Anyway, through all the 24 weeks of training and grueling dieting regimine, I guess I shocked some of those doubting friends, when I delivered a FIRST PLACE trophy in the masters division.
Since that time, I started to seriouly train again, only this time just to duplicate and or simulate that bodybuilders look, without the stresses of actually doing the show. My problem this time is that, I'm seven years older and believe it or not, I'm convinced that things really do change. This old body constantly reminds me that I need to make new mental and physical adjustments.
Interestingly enough life is, has and can have a strange sense of humor. It also has the tendency to every once in awhile.. throw you a curve ball.
My curve ball came fast and hard. Initially, I took a mighty swing at it, but I really should have ducked. There it was flying toward me as if it was shot out of a cannon. The final result of the umpire's (surgeons) call was... A HERNIATED DISK.
No way, I said. Yes it is, he replied.
It's now been seven to eight months of every pain pill the doctors could prescribe. Then came the echoing advise of trying acupunture; chiropractic; deep tissue massages; decompression therapy; hot and cold compresses; crutches; limping and finally, "Why don't you just stay in bed"!
Last resort.. SURGERY. YIPES!! AGAIN.
Through it all, thanks to my strong faith in sincere prayer. Everything turned out just fine.
The hills of life are still present and will be for as long as we are alive and breathe air. A positive mindset and the willingness to forge forward and never give up is vital to a positive outcome. Here's what I thought of most and I truly hope that this statement will help you when you're standing at the plate of life's challenges and the next pitch you're thrown is a curve ball.
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen; either he'll catch you when you fall, or.. he'll teach you how to fly!
hello! my dear friend Clarence. Is that you on photo?! Yes, I agree with you with determination and faith everything will be okay. Sorry, it's been awhile but I am glad that finally even a moment I am here in your page now. I miss you my friend. Is this another blog of yours?
ReplyDeleteClarence-is that you at 50? You look great, and congratulations on your achievement. Sorry to hear about your recent back problems. I know how painful and restricting that can be. I've also had to slow down a lot due to age, don't have the same energy. But as you say, attitude is so important. I find lots of wonderful things to do every day, and I never look back.
ReplyDeleteHello and welcome back SAM & NOTHINGPROFOUND. Thank you both for stopping by and of course leaving such wonderful comments. Yes, that is me in the photo and yes it was an incredible moment for me at that time and at age 50. My main motivation was for that competition was to be an example to my kids. Hopefully, they will reflect back on how hard work and perseverance can lead to positive outcomes. By the way, hope you like my blog's new look. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi! Clarence, I have to admit your last post made me laugh because I know what you mean. I will be also 50 next year and I went back on a arduous workout regiment to tone out. But my mind doesn't seems to be aware that my body doesn't want to follow or even listen...lol I am exhausted barely keeping up so I am laughing and taking it easy... I am glad to hear that you are doing well. Slow and steady is what I say now... have a great day.
ReplyDeleteclarence, your comment at the end about the two things that GOD will do is very good. i feel so sorry for people who are living for security and not risking. as one man said, boats are not built for the safety of the harbor and neither are we.
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational. Glad you came through the back problems. Prayer works!
ReplyDeleteHello Bill, thanks for taking the time to stop by and visit my blog. Your words of wisdom are both spiritual and encouraging. Thanks for the "Blessing".
ReplyDeleteHello Sibel, its great to hear from you again. I fully understand what you mean about the challenges of feeling a little older, but some have told that, "getting older is just a number'. Personally, I would love to see them in the gym. lol. Take Care.
ReplyDeletewow! you look so young being in your 50's and of course very healthy. I salute you my dear friend. God bless always
ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteGosh that must have taken some dedication!
I turned 50 last year but instead of bodybuilding I started walking - the sort that makes you huff and puff (well it does me)
I have now done several sponsored walks to raise money for Breast Cancer - I am healthy and well but have lost family and girlfriends and they never got to see their fiftieth birthday.
So I try to live my life in a spirit of gratitude and celebration, as this life is truly a gift.
Smiles and Blessings.
Hi Juliana, Thanks for visiting and leaving such wonderful remarks. Happy Belated Birthday!! Yes you're correct, the commitment level was very high, I've always been goal oriented, but none of it would have been possible without the support of my family. They dealt with all the craziness of dieting and the constant dreaded mood changes. I applaud you for taking the necessary steps to change your life physically. Everybody's body and motivation is different. Stay focused, surround yourself with positive people and remain humble. You to will be a CHAMPION! Keep me posted.
ReplyDelete