I know my fixation w/ if people think I’m “cool” is crazy. I mean, as long U think it’s crazy And I’m definitely NOT *air quotes* a “dork”.
Staying cool under pressure is important. You can’t fold like origami every time the going gets tough. I try to take things as they come. Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. Don’t get me wrong, I freak out at least a couple times a week. I’m a little neurotic so for me freaking out a few times a week is normal, it’s par for the course. Sometimes I just get overwhelmed and totally stressed out. Luckily, this weekend I got a lot of practice on how to behave when there’s a lot on my plate. Which is good because that’s what leads to opportunities.
Getting outside of my comfort zone and trying new things like putting myself into difficult positions is my tactic to spark growth. I push myself to achieve because accomplishing things makes me feel good about myself, and shows me that my life's worth living. My earnestness oftentimes causes me to hurt myself when I start exercise programs. Not a good thing but I consider that better than having a problem with hard work. I’m so motivated, and eager in the beginning of training programs I end up overworking myself and getting injured because I go so hard. Ball so hard muthafuckas wanna fine me!
If I didn’t push myself all the time I wouldn’t always be so tense. So, I don’t overlook the importance of maintaining balance. I need balance in order to maintain mental stamina and health.
I assume mentally healthier people are mentally tougher too. So, I do not spend all my time sharpening my sword. I practice self-care in the form of: drinking water, grooming and hygiene, meditation, reading, sleeping, full body stretching, and allowing time for overall general recovery. It’s really one of the most important things you can do for yourself and we don’t really do it enough. I chill.
When I do start tripping I center myself by actually trying to staying in the present moment because a lot of our problems from us thinking about some time other than now. I focus on relaxing my breathing and calming myself down with very deep deliberately slow breathing, and little by little I feel the tension leave me. Before I know I’m as cool as a cucumber and more centered than before I started worrying about whatever bullshit I’m tripping on. Stay cool my friends.
Peace,
-Tim