Today Churp gave me a couple compliments. Who doesn’t like it when compliments come in pairs?
First, he told me that my last post was one of the best I’ve written. I smiled and thanked him. Secretly, inside my self centered cranium I told myself all my posts are freakin’ magic. I reminded myself to STOP hearing the mostly silence response to my work. I reminded myself the intrinsic rewards are mine regardless. I reminded myself that receiving “nothing” can be good. Yes, I’ve got issues.
Churp didn’t stop the feedback train, however. As we rode 42 miles with our team of ten this morning, he pulled up alongside and told me the 3P rip this early am, that I led, was the hardest, most awful one in a long time. I smiled more sincerely on this one. My brain recalled the pain in the palace this early morning. Yes, I led. However, the truth was that after only a few minutes in, I was spent. Churp didn’t say a word, he just started to call out the reps and warn everyone what was coming next. He took the lead and I was happy to just try and keep up. When we landed in push up alley jmo grabbed the reins and counted ’em out with a calm confidence that made me want to keep pushing through the pain. Together, this team is improving. Thank you Pj, jmo, jlo, Churp, downer, Stud, Mr. Clean, JW, and FM for showing up. Showing up is freakin’ magic.
And,a funny aha came to my cranium on one of the last sets – my left shoulder was no longer the weak link. I couldn’t quite believe it. For the first time in three years, my left shoulder wasn’t what was keeping me from keeping up. My left shoulder wasn’t screaming to STOP. My left shoulder was saying “nothing.” “Nothing” was good…
Both of my shoulders are arthritic from stupid, self inflicted wounds. My left one is the worst even though my right sticks up like a chicken wing. My left one usually gives out before anything. The joint starts to fatigue and the chronic pain shuts me down. Today, however, nothing. Today, my system gave me nothing. The chronic pains, replaced by the acute variety finally paid a dividend. Funny, the feedback from within was nothing. Who knew nothing could feel so good.
Today, I hope you embrace some acute pain and begin the process of ridding your system of the chronic. I hope you’ll get comfortable on the plateau. I hope you’ll look within for most of your feedback. I hope you’ll have a few friends come alongside and make you do what you can. And, I hope you’ll smile like Grant does on the bike and enjoy the ride…
Enjoy the ride, my friend. Enjoy the ride. And, remember, nothing is not what you think. Nothing can be good. Funny, huh…
BUILT TO LEAD 