Not Your Typical Crossfitter ...

Setting PRs

I used to work out with the local CrossFit gym, and I have continued the practice of tracking my Personal Records (PRs). Here are some I was particularly proud of:

1. Deadlifts--I put lots of tension in the neck and then lift 4 Ibuprofen every four hours;

2. Snatches--I can snatch French Fries and ice cream to my mouth in rapid succession;

3. Push Jerks--I can push and jerk a 38" waist into 36" pants all day long;

4. Kettlebell Swings--I can swing a heavy ball of irritability in several directions, targeting multiple people at a time;

5. Clean and Jerks--a personal favorite, I am known for cleaning house and/or

   being a jerk when stressed.

I developed these PRs over several years, along with a few others. In college, I worked 40-hours a week and carried a full load of classes. I graduated with a degree in German and English. I PR'd in sleep-deprivation. Working for my Master's, I worked five jobs at a time, carried a full load of classes, and cared for a clinically-depressed spouse and our toddler. I graduated with a Master's in Divinity and PR'd in stomach pain. My first three duty stations were filled with 60-hour weeks, sermon prep and preaching, and helping at home with two children. I PR'd in insomnia.

My final PR? I have hit burnout probably 5 times in my life. It has taken a toll on my spirit, my body, and my emotions.

Lessons Learned

Recovering from any addiction begins with recognizing the problem and then committing to healing. I began this recovery journey in 2000 when my extended family booked a Christmas vacation in Palm Springs. After just about three days there, I recognized that I was a different person. I thought more clearly; I slept better; my hyper-focus began dissipating. I could enjoy my two little girls.

Five years later, my wife and I left the children behind and booked a Caribbean cruise. I noticed a pattern. It took three days for me to wind down; I started to wind back up for work 2-3 days before returning home. Anytime in-between was the actual refreshment time.

Military chaplaincy often involves leading a worship service, on top of the plethora of other duties, and the Service Pastor is generally given a CTO (Compensatory Time Off) to make up for sermon prep and working on Sundays. Usually, I gave up the opportunity and was back at it for a full seven-day work week. Just about eight years into the military, I actually started taking those weekly.

I began leading ambitious chaplains who were also workaholics. I explicitly stated that I valued family time and self-care. Yet, I was not living those values myself. Sigh ... time to align with my own values.

Recovery

I am in recovery and am establishing new PRs!

1. I have caught and nipped incipient burnout twice. In fact, I'm doing that as I write!

2. I practice spiritual fitness 3-5 times a week;

3. I practice physical fitness 4-7 times a week in some form or another;

4. I take intentional (non-extended family and disconnected from work) vacations once a year;

5. I am now taking 90% of the CTOs I've earned!

6. I purposefully engage in "check out" moments. I ...

   1. ... catch a random nap during the day (usually at lunch);

   2. ... practice small things that bring me joy;

   3. ... talk to people instead of sitting at the computer.

Reflection

1. What bad habits have you PR'd?

2. What does recovery look like for you?

3. How do you celebrate the small victories?

Burnout, fitness, leading from the core, transformation, alignment, victory