In crossfit, I love medball runs…now. This is where you run carrying a weighted big ball. I used to dread this exercise – actually hate the exercise. I’d spend most of the run struggling trying to find the best position for my 14 pound ball (on my side hip, on my head, on my back, between my neck and shoulder, etc.). As I moved the ball every few seconds to get comfortable, my annoyance would grow, and time would drag on.
One day, I tried something new. I lowered the ball and held it against the front of my stomach and then ran (okay – kinda waddle run). For some reason, this reminded me of being pregnant and the extra weight I carried for those 9 months. Given that I enjoyed my pregnancies, this realization boosted my confidence and belief that I could do this. Although the ball was less supported than other positions, it felt lighter and easier to me. I would then run thinking about my boys and getting lost in great memories. Though nothing had changed with the ball and exercise requirements, my new attitude allowed me to enjoy it – yep, enjoy a medball run!
Our loads in life (on a deeper level than a medicine ball exercise) can be similar in that our attitude or the way we look at something will determine how heavy that load feels. I love Oprah Winfrey’s quote: “the greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude”. If you are struggling with something that feels like a big load and is weighing heavy on you emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually, then inventory your attitude and thoughts around it. Pray for God’s guidance as you look for other perspective to lighten the load. You will appreciate “this weight off your shoulders”.