Here in the United States, it is Memorial Day. To all those who have served: thank you. To the families of those who sacrificed their lives for their fellow soldiers and for our country: I will continue to look for ways to serve & be brave in honor of your loved ones.
CrossFit boxes around the country do a workout called “Murph” on Memorial Day. It’s named in honor of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy who died while serving in Afghanistan in 2005.
He and several other Seals found themselves surrounded & outnumbered by the Taliban and Murphy risked his life to step out into an open field to try to get reception to call for help.
He was killed.
The workout named after Lieutenant Murphy is a tough one, both mentally & physically.
Many people will see that workout and think, “I can’t do that.”
I know that was my thought.
But hold up for a second. Hold up and toughen up.
Stop seeing only what you CAN’T do. Start looking for what you CAN do.
Can’t run a mile? And? So what? Now what?
Can you walk a mile? Can you jog a half a mile? Can you bike? Can you just not sit on the couch all day?
Can’t do 200 push-ups? So what? Now what?
What can you do? What are you able and willing to do?
Can’t go without alcohol today because everyone else is drinking?
So what? Now what?
What can you do?
If you are struggling, I’m willing to bet that a huge part of the reason is that you see what you can’t do and what is hard.
Enough. Toughen up.
You’re stronger than this. Mentally & physically.
I know I say it all the time but it’s true! What can you do?
Struggling with your mindset an not sure how to turn it around?
So what? Now what?
What CAN you do? What are you able & willing to do?
Lieutenant Murphy didn’t stop because of all he couldn’t do on that day he lost his life. Even when in danger greater than most of us will ever face, he saw what he could do.
He even ended that last call with “thank you”.
All around the world people act with boldness, courage and bravery every day.
I think that when you’re facing temptation, a hard workout or the desire to change your attitude, you have what it takes to toughen up a bit.
Just saying.
I’m going to stop here today because this is all I want you to think about.
Toughen up.
Stop focusing on what your body isn’t, what your strength isn’t, what your ability isn’t.
So what? Now what?
What can you do?