Sergeant Tony's Blog

John Maxwell once wrote:
“People who have given up are ruled by their darkest mistakes, worst failures, and deepest regrets. If you want to be successful, then be governed by your finest thoughts, your highest enthusiasm, your greatest optimism, and your most triumphant experiences.”

I discovered something during my recent illness. For someone who is rarely sick, being down for over a week was extremely rare and something I hadn’t experienced since I had pneumonia as a boy. Last week, I remember having this thought, “God, make me well or kill me.” A little extreme and dramatic, maybe. But I felt so sick and just wanted to die.

In a way, I’d given up.

Can you believe it? And I’m someone who has been described by some as “the happiest person” they know. How could such a happy and positive person get so down?

I had forgotten what it was like to be depressed. For days I lay in the bed and not only suffered physically, but mentally, and even emotionally. I had forgotten that sick people don’t just suffer physically, but they suffer in other ways too. In the darkness of those hours I didn’t care if I lived or died. The four walls of my house closed in on me and in those moments I couldn’t think of one single good thing about myself.

I used to have a lukewarm compassion for people who said that they were depressed. I used to think, “C’mon, just snap OUT OF IT!” I thought it was just a choice. But I have a different perspective now.

I know that there ARE some people who just need to snap out of it. They’ve allowed a “free floating funk” to sort of discolor their world. THOSE people DO need a kick in the booty and nudge toward the light.

But there are some folks, especially those who are sick, who need our sympathy and our most tender care.

If the choice is yours today, DON’T GIVE UP!!! Encourage yourself with those things that are good and profitable!

If the choice is yours today, don’t yield to feelings of defeat and depression. Find a way to lift yourself up by focusing on those things in your life that are blessings and gifts!

And if you’re feeling right and good, positive and healthy, then encourage someone you know who might be on the verge of giving up.

My friends, don’t give up! Never ever give up!

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Anniversary Party Rescheduled!
Our party will be next Tuesday night at Fox & Hound on Sanderlin, next to the Racquet Club. We’ll have the Green Room reserved from 6 to 8! The room, pool, ping pong and such are on me. Your food and libations are on you! Your family and friends are welcome!! Friends of Boot Camp are welcome!

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HALF MARATHON TRAINING
We’ll be training at 8 AM at Shelby Farms! We’ll meet in front of the information center!

If you can run 3 miles without stopping, I can train you to finish the half marathon! Cost for the training is $75 for active duty BOOT CAMPERS and $125 for “friends of BOOT CAMP.” Beginners are welcome!

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FRIDAY EVENING WORKOUT QUESTION
The Cooper Young 4 miler is this coming Friday night. Several evening Boot Campers have told me that they’re going to run it. If you’d rather have a regular Boot Camp workout on Friday night, as opposed to running the CY 4m, let me know ASAP! Click on the reply button now and let me know which one you’d like to do. I’ll let you know tomorrow what the vote is. Thanks. Now click on reply!

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Visors and Hats are available! First come, first serve!

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Be well!

To your continued health and fitness,
Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
4888 Southern Cove
Memphis, TN 38117
901-644-0145
www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com
http://shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main