I have a question: What is freedom?
This has been a splinter in my brain for a while, something I’m pondering quite a bit as I flesh out the ideas for my “author” projects. You may not like the answer I keep coming back to.
Ready for it?
Responsibility.
Wait! Don’t go! I bet some of you are thinking “I have so many responsibilities, I have no freedom.” That may or may not be true. Perhaps you only think you have some of the obligations you actually do.
I find it interesting to see the synonyms on my favorite online (or on iPhone, in this case) thesaurus. Albatross. Constraint. Liability. Instead of giving the word that kind of weight, take a look at it from another perspective…
Responsibility allows you to know what is and is not your job, what you can and cannot control. It is what I’ve heard called–and often repeat as gospel–your sphere of influence. In the scope of things, your actions have a finite range. Though the effect will be infinite in its ripples, directly you are only able to affect what is nearby…your thoughts and beliefs, then finally the actions arising from them.
To be free is to know that range, to understand the boundaries (which I will contend are likely further than you’ve gone) and run right out to the edge, fulfilling all your potential in that space.
Being all you can is simply a matter of knowing what you have to do. As a parent, you must raise a child that can contribute to society. As a leader, you are charged with helping others perform to their capability for a common goal.
There is power and liberation in knowing your responsibilities. How great is it to say “THIS is what I do, this is what you do?”
What do you think?
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Sunday Sermon 4/19/2009
Eliminating cancer, one bicep at a time.
Drop what you’re doing and go lift weights! Build muscles like Hans and Franz, it will save your life!
That may be a bit of an overstatement, but just a few days ago word got out that guys who are stronger are less likely to die from cancer than “girly men” (t0 borrow from our Austrian friends at left).
The study followed more than 8,600 men of all ages for over twenty years with annual medical check-ups and strength tests. At the end, researchers counted up who developed cancer and eventually passed way.
Men who lifted weights in addition to cardiovascular training were found to have 30-40% less chance to succumb to a deadly tumor. Further, even those stronger individuals with excess belly fat or a high body mass index showed a protective effect.
You can begin building strength simply by doing some pushups, pullups and squats. These basic exercises rely only on body weight and work many muscles in combination. A balanced strength and conditioning routine will produce optimum results.
I am, obviously, a big fan of exercise. Knowing all that it does for the health of your body and mind, I am more and more convinced of its central role in life every day. Get moving and lifting! Take your time, though. Nobody expects you to look like the guys in 300 tomorrow.
If you can, however, more power (and less cancer) to you!
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It’s About You
It’s Mother’s Day, so I’m going to be brief. (I’m joining mine for breakfast in a few minutes.) Take the opportunity today to thank your mom, the person that kissed your skinned knee or mended a broken heart, the lighthouse during your life’s squalls. Perhaps it is not the person that gave birth to you, but surely you have had someone that cared enough to keep you on the right path.
You owe her a lot. Most of your DNA can be attributed to her, guys. Time and again mothers have proved to be a crucial influence on the way you eat, grow and value life. I am sure one day is nearly nothing to express the gratitude she’s due. Take the time.
To close, I’d like to share with you this page from Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book Inspiration, where he quotes a fantastic passage from What I Meant To Say by Michael Murphy. Worth the read.
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Did Mom Make You Smarter?