The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

I've been lucky in life. Whenever I feel I am in need of inspiration, I've been fortunate enough to find it. It could be through anything: a walk on the beach, a phone call with a good friend, sitting at a coffee shop observing others, paddling out on a surfboard, hiking in the mountains, or even reading a book.

Two years ago I found inspiration in a book by Dan Millman called The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. Recommended by my mom who devours books, I knew this had to be a good pick. I read this book at a time of uncertainty in my life and found a lot of answers by the time I turned the last page.

Last night I saw the movie adaptation of this book. I have to admit, I never thought this book would EVER be turned into a movie. However, seeing that it was playing at a small independent movie theater gave me higher hopes. I saw the movie and it was like reading the book all over again. I left the theater so inspired. My mind was clear from bullshit. I really think if people could apply the tactics of this book into their daily lives and learn to live in the moment like this book teaches, the world would be a better place.

"The past is history, the future's a mystery, and this moment is a 'gift.' That's why it's called the present."

Enough spiritual talk. Either go read this book, or have a beer in honor of LT. Either way you'll make me happy.

Half Marathon? Check.

Current mood: sore

Yesterday I completed my second half marathon. It's weird to think I've now been crazy enough on not one, but TWO separate occasions to go out and pay an organization to wake up at four o'clock in the morning to run 13.1 miles. What the hell is wrong with me?

I got to thinking about it and I realized it's not about the running-- it's about setting a goal for myself and then accomplishing it. My whole life I've always had a running list (no pun intended) of intentions in my mind I set out to do-- whether it was to get straight A's in school (yes I'm a big nerd), learn how to surf, or get a black belt in karate. I've always set the bar and made sure I finished whatever crazy mess I started.

I remember thinking my senior year of college how it would be cool to complete a half marathon. I started training, but not seriously. Getting to the gym two times a week was a big enough achievement at that time. When I signed up to train for USA Fit last summer, my main motivation was to lose weight. Staying home and not drinking every Friday night for 6 months was a pain in the ass and I hated it. Looking back now, it was all worth it. I admit I wasn't nearly as trained for this half as I was the last, but the discipline I learned in the running program last summer is what helped me get through yesterday. I even shaved off 10 minutes off my time. Not too shabby.

So what's next? Well, the half has been a big enough life check mark for now. I think I'll soak in that one for awhile, or at least until my ankles have recovered. I like telling stories, and when I'm old and gray sitting in my rocking chair, I want to have a ton of them to tell.

Now that I think about it, next on the list is learning how to Scuba Dive. I like fish.