I was having a day that was filled with maintenance. You know the ones where you tend to all those things, that if you don’t, they start falling down around you.
This list could include your car, your house, your family or your body. My day started with my commitment to maintaining the temple I have been given to walk this earth in. Many days I am having conversations with God as to why I got the one that has extra padding and cushion. Ohhhhhhhhhhh, maybe because it appears more comfortable, more approachable. Non-the-less, maintaining it takes constant effort. So off to the gym I went, to burn some calories and build strong bones. Living a life of excellence has become a way of life for me.
Taking care and maintaining my body is important but I am only half of a whole if I don’t tend to my soul. This is a life long quest, to understand where I have come from, where I want to go and living in the present. The dictionary defines the word “excellence” to mean ” of superior virtue, in high repute”. A few other forms of the word are:” excel”- to rise above; “excellent”- outstanding or extraordinary in quality. Something I find eye opening is the antonym, or opposite of “excellence” is mediocrity. This is exactly what I don’t want my life to be. I don’t want to be mediocre at anything. I strive for excellence in all areas of my life.
A life of excellence means being intentional. It’s a choice. It’s what sets you apart from everyone else.
- In relationships
- At work
- In business
- Staying healthy
- In family
I have heard it said that what separates those that reach excellence and the masses that wallow in mediocrity is this; A willingness to go beyond one’s limitations, by operating outside a level of safety and comfort.
I have had seasons of challenge in every area of my life. In my marriage (and we all know how that turned out!), in parenting, in my friendships, at work and maintaining a healthy life. Mind,body and soul. I have had opportunity to stretch myself outside my comfort zone of mediocrity into a life of excellence.
Intentionally staying married, even after my husband had left our home, for the next six years gave me the opportunity to wait on God. To heal my heart. To focus on raising my girls instead of searching for Mr.Right Now! It stretched me outside my comfort zone.
As I have said before, parenting my teenage girls as a single parent wasn’t enough of a challenge. I was led to home school one of my daughters, when I didn’t know what home school meant. All I knew was I needed to save my daughter from herself . Dealing with teenage drinking and feelings of abandonment were ala carte issues that I got also.
I have come to realize with each opportunity to be stretched outside my comfort zone of mediocrity into a life of excellence, that I have a new perspective on my limitations. I know now, there isn’t anything I can’t accomplish! So what is it for you that keeps you in your comfort zone? What keeps you from living a life of excellence?
So well written. You are such an inspiration to all. Wendy
thank you Wendy. I am glad it encouraged you!