Discipline

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruits of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.           Hebrews 12:11

When I was growing up things came very easy for me, especially in sports and music, but not so much in my academics and my grades. I did love and do well in US History, Choir and Phy Ed.

I rarely practiced my sports or prepared for a chorus concert. I started to play the coronet in 4th grade. As I mentioned, I did not practice much, but immediately got moved to 1st chair. I was asked to join the High School swing choir and honors choir while I was still in the Junior High (big mistake). I sang solos and performed in concerts and rarely prepared for any of them. One night before a concert dress rehearsal the accompanist came up to me and very sternly said “you are so talented and if you would take this a bit more serious and actually put some time and effort into practicing you could soar.” At the time I was embarrassed but then basically just shook it off.  I think of this often, and really regret not preparing better. In sports, I was usually the fastest in the class, the first one to be picked by a team, and a starter on the teams I did play on.    

I am not saying I wasn’t a hard worker; I was. I could throw hay bales on our farm or at the neighbors better the most. I picked thousands of stones in the fields. After school I went to work at a canning factory and after graduating, I worked long hours on a mushroom farm. But I look back and often imagine what a little discipline and responsibility would have done. Sports, music and even my grades would have been so much better.

And then life changed! I suddenly grew up, got married and had a family. Life was no longer easy, it took work! Twenty-five years go by and suddenly illness creeps in. I would have never imagined that I would have to work this hard on my health and wellness. Healing from overlapping Autoimmune Disease takes discipline! Discipline to heal, especially one of my strongest assets, my muscles!

“Discipline is the work done on the practice field, so you are ready for the big game.” Annie F. Downs

Whether you have a chronic illness such as autoimmune disease or you just want to stay healthy or become a bit healthier, it takes discipline. I am not fond of the saying “practice makes perfect”. I think perfect is impossible to accomplish! I like “progress not perfection.” Know this, discipline, practice, responsibility
and bravery are all important attributes for success at anything! Including your health.

Train your body, mind & spirit. Healing is possible!