1. Taking stock of myself, should be interesting. Using a scale of 1-10 as a barometer of my physical, spiritual, and psychological health should be fun. Let's start with my physical health. I'm going to answer this in two ways. First of all as a retired professional athlete my physical health is, and always has been, a huge priority and therefore I have always taken, and continue to this day, to take very good care of myself. I work out in the gym daily, train at the beach (beach volleyball which was my profession), and surf often. I also eat a very clean diet and monitor my daily food intake and have for years. So I would say I do well physically with regards to taking care of myself but before I go and give myself a silly 10 or something I should disclose I've had five broken arms, two broken legs, my lower back operated on twice, my appendix has ruptured, I've had my knee and hand surgically repaired, and a wide assortment of stitches, sprains, bumps and bruises. So the arthritis and overall soreness I experience is usually a bit more than the laymen. I give myself an 8 physically and I would give myself a higher grade if I did yoga once a week or did my stretches. Let's take a look at my mental health. I'm going to say that going back to school at 40 boosts my mental acuity a bit but not much. I have always viewed myself as more of a jock than a scholar, I'm not complaining, we all have our strengths and I enjoy my athleticism a great deal but back to my mind. I'll give myself a 7 for my current mental health as I feel school is a great way to improve this number. Now on to spirituality we go. So a few years ago I decided I wanted to know more about the bible and started attending Saddleback church. Some of you might have read the book, "Purpose Drive Life" by Rick Warren as he's the lead pastor at Saddleback and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I feel my spirituality is in it's infancy but something I'm working on with church attendance, a bible study, and reading the bible in one year so for now I'll give my spirituality a 4 but moving the right way.
2. I really need to stretch with either a class or take yoga once a week to offset all the dynamic and high impact stuff I do daily for my physical health to improve. I will have my undergraduate in nutrition next September so my mental health is being worked with school so my goal is to continue to take three classes and do my best to keep my GPA at 3.5 or higher. My spirituality is something I've been working on for the past few years and in February of this year I started a "read the bible in a year" program of which I'm still on track and joined a small bible group as well, which since has been disbanded but I'll join another one as my goal.
3. There aren't any large obstacles in my way, unless I view myself as a large obstacle, in reaching my goals. I try and keep my goals and aspirations in sight and if I get too close to them I raise them so goal reaching and setting are something I enjoy doing.
4. I struggle with these relaxation exercises. Or at least I imagine I am struggling. It takes me the better part of five minutes to get comfortable, another five minutes to stop thinking about the assignments I should be doing instead of laying on the floor, and then another five minutes to focus on the man's voice and do what he says. By this time it's over and I'm not sure what the hell just happen. It's not say I won't get better with these exercises but the athlete in me who wants to try harder and concentrate more is not something I believe is going to help me all that much with these types of exercises. I will adjust and try again.
Mike Scales
Mike,
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you have gone back to school at 40. I am 46 and am trying to get my schooling done also. At least you have the athletic side to fall back on. I am not much of an athlete or a scholar.
You mention you are working on your spiritual side, but I think you are further than you realize. Spiritual well-being is more than just a religion that one follows. Spiritual well-being is a self understanding or a self realization, that one can have on a journey of discovery. People can go to church and read the bible but that does not make them spiritual. Being spiritual is understanding your purpose and where you belong and why.
I hope that helps. I enjoy reading your posts thank you.
Jodi
Hello Mike,
ReplyDeleteYou are truly motivated in your Physical, Spiritual, and Psychological well-being. Keep up the good work and I to could not focus on the relaxation exercise.
Week 3-Self Assessment
ReplyDeleteWow Mike, that is a very detailed assessment of yourself. I am impressed that even with your injuries you still view your physical state at an 8. That would lead me to say your mental must be pretty high. You clearly have an open door to see your pain yet you are very upbeat and positive!!!
I love Rick Warren!! We are at Newsprings with Perry Noble. He and Rick are alot alike. Do you find yourself getting lost in their teachings? I really think I could listen to them and Clayton King non-stop!! I am amazed at the heart and soul of these type of teachers. I am honestly looking forward to this semester !!!
week 3
ReplyDeletegood summary of everything. I am a work in progress as well and trying not to do too much while focusing on my whole self. It is good to see that you are taking things as they come and doing the best you can. I have tried to read the bible in a year, but could not keep up. I do the audio bible, and it seems to help especially that I have a commute to work.
I like the way you write. As a part time writer I have realized that most of the grammar and literature skills I learned in school mean very little. A reader will only read something that is written in a way they can instantly input themselves as a character. I may not be a professional athlete, but I do understand the "bumps and bruises." The host of medical problems I have received in my active youth is extensive. It's obvious by now that I find myself comparing us knowing I've never been a professional anything, and I know nothing about volleyball. I'll have to keep this blog in mind for next time.
ReplyDeleteGreat posting! Sounds like you take very good care of yourself in all 3 areas. Love Rick Warren! Always has such a great message! Getting involved in bible studies last year changed my life and pushed me to grow in my faith!
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