"Medicine won't work unless you take it."

What’s on my mind? “Medicine won’t work unless you take it.” These words from a neurologist came to mind this morning when my friend, coach, and counselor Glenn commented on my consistency in showing up to the gym regularly having just joined last week.

It felt good to be seen like that and to be reminded of why I returned - to get strong, increase blood circulation and lymph flow, and to prepare my body for the next 25+ years. To reframe the quote: “The workout won’t have its impact if I don’t show up and do it.”

This reframing speaks to an area of struggle I’ve had for a long time: the space between fantasy and reality. I have a vivid imagination and I’ve fantasized all kinds of things for my life, but much of those ideas have stayed in the dreaming space. It’s safer to stay put than it is to move forward, but staying put gets me nowhere I truly want to go. And so, the inner polarity resulted in me opting out of moving those dreams into reality.

Here’s a simple example of inner polarity that many of us can relate to: You make a New Year’s resolution to go to the gym (or whatever you choose). You actually push yourself to go for 2-6 weeks, then you stop for various reasons. And then comes the shame to make you feel really bad for quitting.

You may be thinking “I just need more will power,” but what if, instead of pushing our thoughts and feelings around like we’re a strong-armed boss, we sat down with our “I don’t want to go to the gym” part when it continues to push the snooze button so much we miss the workout? What if we asked it what it is afraid would happen if we kept going to the gym? What if we shared with it that we had some important work to do there and that it might be hard to establish that pattern in the beginning, but it would be life-changing and life-giving in the end? Would it be willing to let you move forward?

You may have already done this, but you can substitute anything in the place of “medicine” or “working out” that fits this quote. Here are some others that come to my mind: Intimacy with God won’t happen without regular conversation (aka prayer). Friendships won’t develop and deepen if we never connect. Those 10,000 hours needed to hone a new skill won’t happen if I don’t actually move. A more robust social life won’t happen if I don’t reach out and schedule time with others. You get it… What are some of yours? I’d love for you to share them in the comments.

This polarity within shows up in those competing voices inside (which aren’t You, btw, they are parts of you, so try to go easier on yourSelf). You could have a part that is actually pushing you to go to the gym and you’re overworking each time you show up to workout.

This may all sound a bit confusing or strange, but underneath all the voices inside is your True Self - your Imago Dei (image of God) that holds your heart’s truest desires. They are the ones that make your heart stir and open you up to be who God created you to be. Sometimes they get covered over by these competing voices. When we invite those voices to step back or even begin to connect with them, we get more of a glimpse into this “heart’s desire” space, experience more Self energy, and become more open to leaning into the invitation to explore and experience those things.

The closer I get to that space the more clarity I have about what and why I’m doing anything. That clarity helps guide me to a deeper purpose and the movement from imagination to reality gets closer and closer. And, ultimately, it gives me more Self energy to lead those polarized voices within to a greater purpose that helps me truly serve from the inside out.

I hope that whatever “medicine” your heart is desiring, that you’re finding ways to lean into the invitation to follow that desire. There is always more for you to learn in the resistance to change and growth.

Blessings to you as you explore what “medicine” your heart desires and where that leads! Much love to you!!