Why be Strong?

Why be strong? I ask myself this as the rain patters against the window beside me, putting me in a trance. Memories from my life uncovered with every drop heard as if the rain itself gave new life to the long forgotten events. All these memories have a common theme; strength. In today's world I really don't have to be strong. I could just sit here and let life happen all around me and not raise a finger. That would be easy, maybe even nice for a change. Maybe I wouldn't be sore all the time if I did.

All these memories... football, baseball, now weightlifting, I had to be strong. I had be strong so I could win, I had to be strong so I wouldn't break during a competition. I sit here pondering and think of many people who don't believe in competition and don't see the point in winning anything. They said it hurts. It's better to enjoy life without knowing pain.

They are right about the pain. Being strong comes from pain. You become strong by recovering from the pain though. Adapting to the stress. Then the next time you experience that pain it doesn't hurt as bad. It become more pleasurable in a sense. Now my answer to the question is clear.

Why be strong? To enjoy more of life... I enjoy what's in my comfort zone but each day I become stronger my comfort zone grows so I can enjoy more. Knowing pain is necessary to know pleasure. You see, it's not just physical strength that comes with training, it's also mental and emotional. The stronger I get, the more confidence I grow, and with the increased confidence I can control my emotional responses to stressful training. This goes beyond the training room though. Through these lessons I have learned how to be a better person, a better friend, son, brother... better at life. When I'm better at these things my life is more pleasurable, more joyful.

I can be strong and reliable to my friends and family now that I am stronger. I can handle the stress and pains of being there for my loved ones no matter what. You could say that by fighting in the pits and experiencing much pain and hardship I have come to know happiness better. I can see the good in a situation because now instead of pain, I see an opportunity to grow. When you grow, not only can you endure more you can enjoy more and with that shine your joy to others around you so that they to may decide to grow because of the example you have set.

Into the pits I go...

Growth 2013