Challenging.
Today was my first day of really focusing on my "one word" for 2009...self-discipline. As I mentioned in my last post, I'm convinced that self-discipline is a muscle (a much atrophied muscle in my case) that needs to be built up over time. For my first wimpy workout, I gave myself a little, meaningless, yet attainable task, to begin to build my confidence. I decided to choose an exercise that didn't matter at all, but would be uncomfortable enough that I would actually have to be mindful and make a choice, the choice to follow through. What is my exercise this week?
Drinking my coffee black.
I know that sounds ridiculous. Who cares how you drink your coffee? It's not like it's a bad thing to use a little splenda. It's not like I can't count a few creamer calories into my diet. It's just that I don't really like it that way all that much but I can do it. My desire for caffeine is motivation enough. Or so I thought. I could drink no coffee. I could have a coke instead. But that's not the point. The point is to do something I prefer not to...just to prove I can.
Well, I did it. I drank two cups of coffee (again, my desire for caffeine is great) and no sweetener or creamer. It wasn't entirely terrible after a while although I know now why my husband hates coffee and refers to it as "hot dirt". It is better hot though. The temperature is much more important with black coffee. I'm a girl who likes splenda and flavored creamer and a starbucks peppermint mocha is my favorite...but I did it. And I will do it until Friday. After that, I will resume drinking coffee the way I like it. (It's not about the coffee in case I haven't made that clear) Starting next Friday, I will attempt something slightly more difficult. I have some ideas. I'm not looking forward to any of them. But as I begin to build confidence, as I begin to strengthen this muscle, I know it will feel waaaaay better than my life right now. I'm not doing this to torture myself, after all. I'm doing it because I know that in the end it will put me in the center of God's will for my life, it will bring me more peace, more joy, more faith, more hope...I will be stronger, smarter, more healthy, a better wife and mother, a better friend and family member, and more like Jesus.
That's what I'll think about while I'm drinking hot dirt in the morning. Gotta love it.
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4 comments:
Phillip drinks his dirt, black. I am not a coffee drinker. Give me a Coke anytime. I know Phillip is turning into his dad. The other day he was drinking his dirt cold. His dad has done that for years.
Hey, I may be able to witness to someone who is a troubled soul today. He is an old ballplayer of Phillip's. He may come by our house but Phillip's not too happy about it. I hope Phillip can open his heart. It is a long story. The player called Brett to see if Phillip would see him, so you know it is bad. Brett was upset that Phillip is not wanting to speak to this fella. I told Brett I will be here. If he comes, I hope God gives me and Phillip the right words to speak.
Yes, I am commenting again. I just read your comment on my Family Foto. Yes, NanNan was quite different from Penny. She was probably close to perfect. Very loving and caring. Would do anything for anybody with no strings attached. To tell you the truth, I think Penny was very envious of her sister. Gandad was different back then too. He was really, really funny. After dad passed away, he just wasn't the same. It's like he gave up. Every so often in his later years, I would see a little glimmer of the old Gandad.
I have something for you on my blog!
Congrats on completing your first task--I am proud of you! :) Can't wait to see what the next "exercise" is.
~Julie
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