It was Greg Anderson, a co- founder of the American Wellness Project and author, who has been credited with saying: “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” Yeah, tell that to anyone who is a bronze, silver, or gold medal winner. There is a certain euphoria in receiving a prize - whether it is a ribbon in a race or a diploma from school.
That often used phrase speaks to the spiritual and character building focus one should maintain while traveling to new places or working on special goals. Just savor each step and take it one day at a time. Stay in the present and breathe. Yes, one may find so many gifts during the journey that the actual destination is simply a fraction of the whole manifesting experience.
Yet, how many of us have wished that we could be transported immediately - like the teleportation machine Scotty operated on the Star Ship Enterprise? By just flipping a switch, cellular reconfiguration could magically move us into the next physical plane in seconds. Wouldn’t that be easy? Poof.
Sorry to bust your fantasy, but this is not the 24th century and there are no teleportation machines. To really transform requires immense desire and herculean hard work. It takes so much more effort and commitment than you can fathom - several hours a day, day in and day out - over many months and/or years. The work outs are grueling and the dieting is nearly impossible to maintain. It is incredibly character building. Everything you know and take for granted in this culture that can get you through your day, from a caramel latte in the morning to a cocktail after work, is forbidden. Anything resembling sugar or fat is off limits and denied. The hours and effort each day spent lifting weights and performing cardio is done on fumes from fish and lettuce.
Jenny told me it really is not about “looking” great – it is about learning how to reach down inside to your core and spirit and keep going when you want to quit. It is about how one can maintain the constant work, the denial of treats, and the commitment to reach the finish line. There remains only three weeks left to the Jeff Taylor Colorado State Bodybuilding/Fitness/Figure/Physique Championship show. My daughter Jennifer is a great competitor and always has been. She will not get nervous or intimidated at the last minute while she is up on stage. She knows that all the hard work came months and weeks before. The "show" is only a mere fraction of the whole spiritual journey.
Hugs and best wishes.
Love, Mom
SHOW INFORMATION FOR ALL YOU TRAVELERS BELOW:
NAME OF EVENT:
Jeff Taylor Events Presents "The TOKYO JOES Colorado State Bodybuilding/Fitness/Figure/Bikini/Physique Championships"
Link:
LOCATION:
EXDO Event Center @ 1399 35th Street Denver, CO 80205
DATE: JULY 16, 2011
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Saturday, July 16, 8:30-11am: Prejudging for FITNESS/FIGURE/BIKINI
Saturday, July 16, 10am: PHYSIQUE/BODYBUILDING meeting at EXDO Event Center to drop off music and get competitor numbers at EXDO Event Center (See above link)
Saturday, July 16, 11:00 am: Prejudging for Bodybuilding
Saturday, July 16, 5pm: Finals FITNESS/FIGURE/BIKINI at EXDO Event Center
Saturday, July 16, 7pm: Finals for BODYBUILDING at EXDO Event Center
