Impossible, Improbable, Inevitable

The Dalai Llama was once asked what in humanity surprised him most. He answered,
“Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”
What a heavy response. Sadly, it is quite accurate for most of us. In fact, I am guilty of doing all of these things…at the same time…today and many before it. It seems impossible to change!
Stress from a work deadline pushes me into the loving arms of a cinnamon roll. The extra baggage convinces me to join the gym again, again. Once there, my heart rate increases and I get winded from tying my shoes. As I start torturing the treadmill, I feel the perspiration start to build under my moobs and I look around to see if I’m the most out of shape guy in the room. Alas, I spot a larger man with apparent venous insufficiency to his lower legs. I start to worry about heart problems, cancer, and diabetes and then check my own legs for swelling and hemosiderin staining. But hark, none today. I’m invincible!
How the h-e-double hockey sticks do you put the brakes on this crazy train? I think it is going to be different for everyone, but where do you start? Change seems improbable.
If you read the Dalai Llama quote above and either A) went directly back to a certain point of the quote, or B) had that sinking feeling in your gut when you read a specific part, then I think you know where to focus your attention.
The good news is things can change in an instant, literally. The moment you make a decision to tackle an obstacle that you know (and have known for quite some time) is holding you back, you have already started the process; a ripple in the water.
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” — Christopher Reeve
Change is inevitable? What a great thought to realize that you can be healthy and energetic, financially secure, relationally solid, and live for today while planning for tomorrow.
I am fairly confident in many areas, but I also have a few areas where I’ve given up and believed that “this is just the way it is for me.” This isn’t true for me and it isn’t for you either. Make a choice and watch the impossible become the improbable and eventually the inevitable change.
