The Zone

The Zone

The other day I was on a 6 mile run along the bluff just north of Cayucos, totally enjoying the sound of the waves, the mist of the salt water, the birds singing and the absolute beauty of the Central Coast.  As I was increasing my pace, I soon entered The Zone and I was experiencing runners high (If you’ve never experienced an endorphin rush that comes from an elevated heart rate during physical exercise, there’s really nothing like it – it’s simply amazing), a natural high that made all of my issues, my problems seem miniscule.

After my run, as I was driving back to my home in Morro Bay, with sweat rolling down my face, tears welled up in my eyes as I began to reflect on the wonderful life I’ve been blessed with; seriously, a caring & great looking wife, wonderful children, excellent health, a cool job, and a daily relationship with my Creator – so much to be grateful for, the tears just came naturally!

A few hours later, the tyranny of the urgent began to dim The Zone and life had a way of getting back to normal.  Have you ever been there?  When life was working so well only to be blindsided by a disappointment?  Well, of course you have, we all have.  My question, literally then, is how can one maintain that balance of life’s demands and maintain The Zone, as in a runner’s high?  How can I, you, us plod along and not only keep perspective, but also maintain a positive, it will all work out for the good mentality through the good and the bad? 

As a Chaplain and a Pastor, often I deal with some difficult, real life issues; issues like suicide, divorce, drug and alcohol addictions – life issues that if I don’t keep perspective, my mind would short circuit in a matter of seconds.  Here’s a few of the things I do to help keep me, for the most part, stay in The Zone:

• Physical exercise – again, being shape and feeling healthy is paramount for a balanced life
• Alone time – since I’m in the public sector so much, being alone by intention is a great debrief for me
• Daily appointments – I maintain a daily meeting with my Lord to grow spiritually
• Stay positive – I do my best to look at the bright side of things and try to champion the good in others
• Keep perspective – a famous author once wrote, “...all things work together for the good for those who love God...” (Paul to a church in Rome – 1st Century); keeping perspective is key in weathering life

Recently, the MBPD has undergone some radical changes.  From my buddy Richard retiring to Chief Olivas being blessed with a great career move, maintaining a positive outlook and keeping proper perspective is what’s going to get this great department through the impending transitions.  Yes, these announcements and others can move a committed department to anxiety, stress and perhaps even anger or depression; however, by deploying a bit of above, the MBPD will be just fine. 

All to say, if you’re life is chaotic lately, go for a run, get alone, spend some time with your Creator, stay positive and keep perspective – it will all work out!  Thanks for reading, have a great day...