The great Mark Twain once wrote this: “The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is you really want to say.” This idea encapsulates my mindset at the end of every month. I committed to a year of writing down three “things” each and every month. I rarely know what I want to write about when I finally tie myself down to a chair and force words out. This may be the reason it’s often a difficult and uneasy process. Some sort of imaginative interrogation of last month’s experiences takes place. I struggle to correctly publish my point and just when I think I’ve finished my perspective changes in such a way that I feel a slight change could better illustrate my random little point. Sometimes I go back and edit the stories, yet sometimes that green “publish” button is too tempting not to click. Mark Twain knew that the essence and meaning of one's writings could often be discovered by simply participating in the journey of writing. Even if that journey is scribbling out three random things a kid in Virginia thought about in the month of July. After all, Twain also wrote that “It takes a heap of sense to write good nonsense.”
Thing 1: Slow Down to Speed Up
My friend Edward likes to run fast. His fast pace is fast and his slow pace is fast. Occasionally, when we would run together during and after college he would calmy push the pace faster and faster until I was successfully reacquainted with my morning breakfast. Once, at the end of a run behind his apartment, I thought I spied him grinning at me but I could not confirm it as I had to return to dry-heaving and starring at the concrete. The point is, Edward is fast. I used to beg for mercy during our runs by saying something like “My body isn’t in good enough shape right now.” to which he would always remind me “Your body is in good shape, you have to make sure your heart can handle it.” Edward is in Dental school right now so he probably said something more doctor sounding like “cardiovascular fitness.” Regardless his realization has stuck with me and I remembered it as I ran up the side of Old Rag this month. Old Rag is my favorite mountain, it boasts a newly extended 10-mile rocky loop with over 3,500 ft of elevation gain. This, coupled with the mid-summer heat and humidity had me slightly questioning my life choices as I stumbled up the mountain. I could not keep my heart rate down. It was well over the target mark of the 160s and every time I pushed it up a hill it felt like my heart was going to explode. So I changed my approach. Rather than continually burning out I power hiked through the steepest sections. A technique commonly used by ultra runners to avoid burnout. I took a few different paths through the rock scramble section that allowed me to catch my breath and bearings.
I write a lot about running on this blog because I believe many of life’s experiences can be related to running. This thought is no different. It’s not groundbreaking or new information in any way, yet it is a reminder I am realizing I need more often. Slow down to speed up. Whether it’s your actual heart or your mind, sometimes all that is needed when life heads uphill is to slow down, readjust, and move forward again. This avoids burnout. Yes, your body can withstand it, but aligning your heart and mind makes the journey that much better. Keep moving.
Thing 2: Fireworks Work
There’s a saying that goes “If you build it they will come.” well, in the Shetler family it’s been slightly modified to state“If you blow it up the will come faster.” This saying is very true. Once when my brother and I were little we found ourselves hiding in the woods to avoid an inevitable spanking most likely from some well-deserved shenanigans. We thought we would just wait it out in the pine trees and the desire for restitution of our crimes would cease to exist. Suddenly we heard fireworks. Dad knew nothing made his little pyromaniac middle schoolers run faster than hearing the lift charge of a firework ignite. We sprinted out of the woods and over to the action only to find that the fireworks were used to reunite the family and that our punishment was still very alive and well. Regardless we still love fireworks. We love fireworks so much that my dad has spent many hours training and filling out paperwork, and recertifying his license. Much to the joy of his kids. He even has to chat it up with the ATF every year to make sure the whole outfit is legit. And let me tell you, our firework crew is legit. This fourth of July, armed with inlaws, college friends, coworkers, and volunteers we set to the hills to set up the biggest firework show our little town has ever seen. Some may call us a ragtag crew but after a 15-minute demonstration on how to wire high-grade explosives without losing any phalanges, no one can deny that we are professionally trained. And so we all set to work, clearing space, loading tubes, and wiring mortars. I simply love the picture below because it perfectly communicates that quality family time doesn’t have any limits. The only stipulation is that you have to be together. Once this step is accomplished you’re on track for quality time. The fourth of July was a special type of family time and I won’t soon forget its memories. So if you want to reconnect with family, maybe purchase some high-quality explosives… or maybe not!
Thing 3: Talent Not Necessary
The little Shetler family of Jen and I are day by day getting closer to moving into the fixer-upper we purchased months ago. I have to admit I had a very romanticized version of what flipping a house looks like. I pictured Jen and I picking out paint colors while a timelapse of the actual grunt labor was completed to an upbeat instrumental soundtrack. However, this has not been the reality. Recently most of our time at the house has been spent sandblasting our faces with bits of cracked plaster while trying to fix the walls and ceiling. After a while, the project can take a discouraging turn. This is where I’m thankful for my wife. We collectively decided that we need be intentional in adding positive memories to this season of our lives. Without that, it’s just work.
So, as we were leaving the other day Jen grabbed my arm and asked if we could lip-sync to the classic “Cry to Me” by Solomon Burke. It only took 3 minutes. It wasn’t good but it was fun. Mission accomplished. Below is a screenshot from our impromptu soul-inspired performance. The actual video can only be seen by selective audiances.
Final Thoughts:
I think you’re a wonderful person.
My good friend Ryan introduced me to the “Fight Hustle End Hurry Podcast” which describes the practical and spiritual benefits of reducing busyness in our lives. The episodes are short, give them a listen!
Until next time,
C.S.
