Another Purpose for My Grand New Goal

Throughout the school year, I sit across the table from college students who are struggling with motivation issues. I often hear myself asking these students, "Why are you pursuing this education? Tell me about your goals. How much are you willing to sacrifice for those goals?" Some of the best things in life are difficult to attain - a college education; strong, healthy relationships with God, friends and family; a fulfilling career; fill-in-the-blank ________________.

For me, education comes easy, and my motivation is naturally high. BUT, I am NOT extremely motivated to eat healthy and exercise. Some of the students I advise are athletes. I often compare drive on the athletic field with drive in the classroom. Great athletic accomplishments require great discipline, sacrifice, and motivation. Student athletes at the collegiate level understand this concept well. More than once, while having this conversation with student athletes, I am convicted of my lacking motivation. I hear myself say to students, "It's midterm, there are only 8 weeks left. You can do anything for 8 weeks, can't you? Isn't your goal worth the commitment?" I must ask and answer the same questions for myself in a different, yet oh-so-similar, realm.

My "Grand New Goal" is for my family, and for my personal well-being, but it is also an effort to practice what I preach. Academic endeavors are easy and natural for me. To understand the students with whom I work, I need to push myself in a way that is unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and seemingly impossible. I need to commit, exercise discipline, and persevere even when I don't feel like it.

I have been reading about Grand Canyon hikes. I won't lie: I am very intimidated and doubtful. This journey is not natural for me; it may be the most difficult goal I have ever set in my life. I am taking the next step - joining a gym - today. I plan to partake in my first workout tonight. One step at a time... every day... for the next 12+ months. I am focusing on the joy my family will experience in achieving this goal together. I am focusing on the forever memories we will create amidst the journey. I am focusing on my students who feel like giving up when the road is rough, and how this experience will allow me to relate better with them. O Lord, help me!

A Grand New Goal

As my second academic year at NNU comes to a close, and as our family appears to be quietly settling into our new life, I am beginning to dream about some new goals. One area clearly stands out: I need to become physically fit and healthy. This need takes center stage beginning today.

I inherited a neurological disease called Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT). Though I have been aware of orthopedic difficulties since Kindergarten, it has only be named for me in recent years. CMT is in the muscular dystrophy family. No one in my extended family has had a severe case of CMT; it is really more of a nuisance. For me, it plays a big role in my lack of motivation to be physically active. Couple that lack with my love for good food, and I have a problem! As the mom of two active boys living in a adventurous area of the country, I feel like I am missing out on real living. Knowing that my dad had a heart attack in his 50's, and knowing that I seem to favor his genes in other significant areas, I feel fearful for my future. It is time to act!

This burst of energy to act has come and gone numerous times over the years, so I need to an exciting focal point. Thanks to my boys, I think I've found a deeply motivating goal. They really want to hike the Grand Canyon! Tanner asked to do it this summer, and I grieved the fact that I would not be able to join the family on such an adventure. As we discussed our options for this summer, we decided to hold off on the Grand Canyon until next summer. Viola, folks, I have a dream!

I am headed to the Nampa Rec Center tomorrow to purchase a family membership. My healthy eating plan commenced today. I want to buy bikes for the family - including a tandem bike for Steve and me (my CMT includes issues with balance). Yesterday I publicly shared my goal for the first time. I have 12 months to transform my life, and create an awesome family memory!

The boys' desire to hike the Grand Canyon was born on a trip with their grandparents.