Comment: I’m starting my log out with the comments because I’ve been thinking a lot and I’ve had a long couple of days. I’ve probably slept 6 hours in the past 72 hours. I had my renal final then drove out to Harrisberg at 3AM for my military physical. The thing that got me thinking was this, I was dead tired and there were multiple incidences of bureaucratic BS that made me lose some more faith in our armed forces. Then I had my physical. The doctor was awesome. He did a thorough job, then he just sat and talked to me about life. He is at the end of his career with maybe one or two years left and he gave me advice for probably 30 minutes. A lot of the things he said seemed like common sense but they’re things that we often forget. He said do what you love, life is about more than money, if you decide to get married make sure you make time for that person, become a specialist in something even if I go into primary care, befriend your patients, and look people in the eye so they know you’re listening to them. Simple things that can make a huge difference. He went on to talk about the medical field in general and he chose to make an investment in me.
I’ve been more than fortunate in my life. I’ve had good parents that have loved me and loved one another. I’ve had/have great teachers that have pushed me intellectually, and others who have pushed my patience. I’ve had great coaches that have been phenomenal role models and mentors. Friends that have kept me accountable on my weaknesses, roommates that have helped me culturally, family that has a high moral standard, and a girlfriend that continues to teach me what loving someone means. I don’t deserve any of it, but I’m blessed and thankful to have had so many positive influences on my life. I’m thankful for all the people that forgive me for my shortcomings and accept me for who I am. These are the greatest blessings I could ask for.
Part of this is what has attracted me to the strength community. There are tons of people that are looking to invest in other people. When I was a freshman in college I was severely depressed. A senior from my lacrosse team introduced me to the strength coach, Mark Watts, and he offered me an intern job. This coach invested me in and helped me develop my passion for strength. He gave and invested when he didn’t have to. Through him I’ve gotten the opportunity to talk with Wendler and Dan John. The friend from my lacrosse team graduated and went on to follow his passion in powerlifting and trains at Westside. He invested in me and took me out there where I got to train and talk to Louie. This past summer I had the opportunity to intern for Dr. Serrano who is one of the most intelligent and accommodating people I know. The amazing thing about my buddy, my strength coach, Louie, Dan John, Wendler, and Serrano is they all invest in other people and they asked for nothing in return. I will be forever indebted to these people because they invested in me and most of them had no clue and probably still have no clue who I am. The only way I believe I’ll be able to pay these people back is by striving to reach my potential and give back to those who are coming up just as I am now.
The thing I’ve learned from all of this is the little things matter. Our interactions with each other matter. Helping when you can matters. Helping when your tired matters. Giving when you can matters. Invest in other people. Become the best person you can be so you can help other people. Do what you love, and be thankful for what you have. We will all fail, we will let people down, we will let ourselves down, but we have to keep striving to be the best person we can be. We need to take care of our mind, body, and spirit. I hope this comment helps someone, and I hope it serves as a reminder for myself the standard I need to strive for.
God bless, vigilance
WU: Foam, push up, jumps
WO:
Bench: 45x10, 135x10, 190x5, 225x5, 255x3, 275x5, 295x5, 315x6, 295x9
Band pull aparts: 10x9
Pull ups: 5x9
Incline bench: 135x10, 185x5, 225x5x3
Incline DB row: 75x10x5
Push ups: 30x3
Inverted rack rows: 20x3
Tri push down: 52x30x3
Straight bar Curls: 50x20x3
Diet: has been poor being on the road, need to be clean the rest of the week
Thought: love your neighbor as yourself
With Love
DF