Warrior in a Garden
I would rather be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war
People often ask me why I train so hard. Why do you do those intense workouts? Why are you always running? Why this, why that?
I train because I want my body to be able to tackle any physical challenge that comes my way. When a friend reaches out on an idle Wednesday afternoon and says, "Hey man, would you join me on a trail marathon that I signed up for?" I want my response to be, "Hell yeah!" I never want to think, "Oh, my body couldn't handle that." The only exception would be for some serious medical condition or sickness I can't control. But that's the point; I can't control what I can't control, so I don't pay any attention to those external factors (or at least I try to, though I often fail). What I can control is how much training I put into my mind and body.
I am a voracious reader. I read because I enjoy it, not because I expect to take a test on the material or write a book report. I love learning new things, and I savor the process of reading.
Exercise is similar. After a decade and a half of serious exercise, I've reached the point where I enjoy the process. I love the feeling of exhaustion after a great workout, and I thrive on pushing myself past a previous limit.
More importantly, I strive for a sharp body and mind because I want to be ready for anything that may happen. Confidence leads me to avoid a fight because I don't need to prove myself as a fighter. Whereas a lack of confidence would push me to prove myself in a fight.
A warrior mentality doesn't mean being a fighter or a violent person. Instead, it's a way of life. It's about being someone who trains to stay sharp and maintain their body and mind. It's a person who prepares for the inevitable challenges that life throws at them.
A warrior is a disciple of discipline. A disciple that can pivot into other aspects of life with ease. Warriors can use the tools and discipline they've sharpened over a lifetime to become gardeners. They'll excel in their gardens if they maintain their warrior way and mentality. However, a lifetime gardener who has chosen an easier, less intense path in life will struggle, no matter the challenge.
I aspire to lead a life where the only barrier to demanding challenges is my training level, not a consequence of neglecting my body's upkeep and letting it languish.
Now, let's tend to our gardens.