Proud of myself!

This is a picture of my mom and myself on Mother's Day of 2006.

I don't know if anybody realized this but I was getting fat for a little while.

My diet and excersise were not up to par. This picture best exemplifies that. Not that I hate the picture. It is my my mom and me on a special day and that is endearing enough for me save the moment digitally and in my own memory. (Remember the term 'memory banks'?) I was going through my files earlier this year when I saw it. I am suffering through a crisis of the midlife lately and it hit me, "you are begining to look older." What is the line from the poem? "Do not go quietly into the night"? I'll remember it when I am far away from my computer long after you have forgotten the sentiment. The point is that sometimes you can't just accept it. Most of the time you have a pretty good chance of changing circumstances. It is going to take some work, sacrifice and, more than anything, perseverance. I started watching my diet and increased my physical activity...

and voila!

I have gained some muscle and lost some gut. I would not have taken a topless picture back in 2006. Now I am eager to take off my shirt. I am not saying that I don't have some ways to go. I would like drop a little more weight and gain some muscle in certain areas. The point is I am headed in the right direction and progress is showing which is motivating. I am in a positive spiral. Here's where perseverance comes in. I acknowledge that it is hard to maintain, let alone change my physical dimensions. In those moments where I want to indulge in that third beer, carnitas burrito or sit for three hours in front of the tube, I need remind myself of how far I have come and then ask myself "Do you really want to go back?"

At forty you have the luxury of knowing that you'll never really know yourself. BUT, you know what is important to you. There are some things that are not going to happen for me in this world because I really don't want them that much. That's okay because the things I have come to hold as important are still there and with some work will continue to be there.

Erick's Sunday Morning Sermon has been brought to you by Subway Sandwiches and Fischer Beer. Indulge with Discretion! Do the Right Thing!

Do not go gentle into that good night. I remembered on my own. Dylon Thomas