Anyone that has their fitness, hobby or just that thing that they swear up and down to be the best thing since sliced bread usually has been deeply impacted by it in one way or another, and sometimes it seems that others just don't get it when you explain it to them. I believe that understanding, wisdom, opinions and the validity of your opinion should come from experience and not lack there of, and that your experiences should balance yourself as a person. In other words, learn from your mistakes. With that said, CrossFit changed me in so many aspects of my life that were just plain ol' wrong. I stand behind its ideas and its method as the best form of fitness implementation . Since I've opened my fitness up, I accidentally opened my entire self up to "The" greater, bigger picture.
During my 18-22 year old period I was irresponsible. Cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, inactive, promiscuous and I didn't apply myself in college. Definitely a follower. Later, like I talked about once before I was a gym rat. Basic little big guy in the gym, as a Marine I did Marine things. Drank heavily, ready to fight anyone, women crazy and didn't put the future at the forefront of my actions. It wasn't until I became an NCO that I started squaring myself away, but even then I was still lacking. While in Afghanistan I was going through things in my marriage, some issues that would pop up with my sons mother and just life in general. So I have a pretty good idea of wrong, bad and how if you contribute nothing to the world you will get nothing in return, at least nothing worth having. While serving I developed a sense of charity and wanting to contribute to the world. After a while the hardest part of my days were my WODs. During my down time I was watching Burgener coaching videos, level 1 cert footage, demos and WOD's. I was exposed to the idea of the CrossFit community, not unlike the military where a group of people are now bonded tighter because of the the things they endure together. I love that. How the development of it all is based on being better at life, Law Enforcement and Emergency responder maintenance, rehab. I started thinking, be better. Not just at Crossfit, but everything. It was like a single rain drop hitting the surface of a still pond. I said to my self I'm almost 30, I need to be there for my wife, son, grandchildren and community. Not confined to a walker, disease, or just being out of shape. To see all that, I had to start working on me, I wanted to be a better Husband, I had to work on things in my relationship, I wanted to be a great father, I wanted to be a better person period. I pursued everything that could make these changes happen. What I found was that all of this was just like a WOD. Some days are easier than others, when things get difficult, take a deep breath, focus on the task and try to execute it as efficiently as possible. It can be frustrating but if you freak out or get too angry, that doesn't help the situation. Just don't quit. Which came all the way back to me being a better CrossFitter.
Here is the math: 1 +1=2
I want to perform better, I have to eat better. I want to grow stronger and adapt, I need more rest. I want more rest, I can't party as much. I spend more time sober at home, me and my wife became best friends. My marriage is healthy and strong, We can do parenting. My child knows love.
Not to mention all the other things that have changed. My blood pressure lowered, my flexibility and mobility has increased, my stress level is down. A more caring coach and friend. I wanted to put more and more positive energy into the universe. Ultimately this is because I asked God what he would have me do. Next thing you know all the cards were face up and I did what I was told. CrossFit was simply the form and catalyst for my purpose. At times I know outsiders think we are crazy, our community, our WODs and all the cult ideals that we may have. My opinion of CrossFit or ANYTHING that causes this much positive growth and this many blessings is worth going hard in the paint for.
