Be the Change You Wish to See...

In the age of lightning-fast internet, social media, and 24-hour news networks, it's easy to get the story wrong. The infamous quote, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," has been attributed to Gandhi, time and again. But a New York Time's article tells us his words have been slightly tampered with. The closest quote follows:  

If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do.

It is no secret that my husband and I have gone through substantial personal change and growth within the last year. I completed a half-marathon before kicking the running habit in favor of a new CrossFit bandwagon, which hubby gladly jumped on board, and we completely changed our diets in favor of a Paleolithic lifestyle for a 30-day challenge which has managed to stick around for the last six months. We've seen physical improvement, both in appearance and in gym performance, as well as psychological improvements, constantly challenging ourselves to do more than we ever thought possible, gaining confidence along the way.

But our reasoning for making these changes in our lives isn't purely selfish. Like Gandhi, we recognize that change starts with us, but it doesn't end with us.

Okay. I'm not trying to compare myself to Gandhi. Those shoes are way too huge for my tiny, feminine feet to fill. "Peace on earth and fitness for all mankind" wasn't exactly Gandhi's credo, but it's a worthy one, nonetheless.

While we make these changes in our own lives and learn about the benefits of an alternative lifestyle, we try our best to educate and encourage those around us, without infringing on their own free will, obviously. How exactly do we do this? By dragging everyone we know into the box (CrossFit to English translation: the gym), buying several copies of The Paleo Solution and sharing them with friends and family, sharing recipes to encourage others to give them a try, and talking about CrossFit non stop.

So far, we've made a few converts of friends and family members, but why stop there? Lately, I've been working on a few co-workers and random people I pass on the street or in stores. True story. It helps to wear CrossFit Lakás gear when out and about, and approach anyone who tries to read your shirt.

It's a family thang.

Today, we convinced my brother-in-law to complete a travel WOD with us, called 20 Pieces of Angie:

20 Rounds for Time of:

5 pull-ups

5 push-ups

5 sit-ups

5 squats

We did jumping pull-ups, as I'm fairly certain I'm not quite capable of completing 100 strict pull-ups just yet. Results follow in order of performance:

Me: 14:43

Bro: 27:34

Hubster: 13:45

Not too shabby for his second CrossFit WOD in the history of ever, second only to an AMRAP 7:00 of Burpees that we talked him into back in July. He felt much more encouraged by completing this workout than he did after burpees. Best of all, he told me he couldn't have made it through the workout without me coaching him and cheering him on. Best. Feeling. Ever.

In keeping with my commitment to accountability, I am again making my New Year's resolutions declarations publicly. Hey, it worked for 2012, so let's give it a go.

In 2013, I will continue to try to improve upon myself and effect positive change in those around me. I will do my best to educate myself and those I care about in health and fitness. I will continue to nurture my relationship with God by spending more time in Church and worship. I will continue to cherish the time I spend with my family members, especially the elderly ones who have been through so much in the last year. And lastly, I will continue to challenge myself in adventures and endeavors that I previously thought unfathomable, starting this spring with another CrossFit related challenge. More on that to come!