SHIFT Happens: Easy-Bake Brownies
It's so funny because when all the ingredients needed to enjoy this delectable treat are sitting on a table, no one cares. "Ooh butter!" No one ever says that.
But when all those ingredients are in are in delicious chocolate unity, it's hard to keep your fingers off.
Rushing the process leaves us frustrated. Rushing to eat the powdered batter, water, butter and eggs will always prove disappointing. Why would ANYONE stop right before putting the batter in the oven because of the mess? And lets be honest, there are also no freak out sessions because the batter is about to be heated--it's common knowledge that ovens are HOT! When you really have a craving, 25 minutes can drag on for a year; however, your patience through the baking process affords you a perfectly fluffy yet fudgy treat. (Your CROSSFit instructor would definitely disapprove.)
Ah, this process parallels to our lives. When we look at our lives from an aerial POV, we often look at the scattered mess we used to be...well for me, "still working not to be a scattered mess" It's hard to see value in ourselves when we don't think much of the failures and accomplishments that helped us develop into who we are. Life's no fun when you're acting brand new. You'll end up lacking perspective and joy. (and meaningful relationships) The messy middle is when we're growing up and being shaped and formed into an actual person instead of a neanderthal. I firmly believe that the beginnings of official adulting very closely match being in an oven.
I often find myself rebuking the heat. Bucking against it, frustrated at the seemingly slow process. When it seems like everyone around me is "going and doing" activities i wanted to go and do, I'm discontent. I'm distracted. I'm getting slack with self discipline and sinking right into self loathing. God loathing. Forgetting that everything that happens to me, still works together for my good.
There are times I forget to remember the joy set before me as I confidently endure my testing. Everyone has their "thing" that's the thorn in their side. As you develop your wings, ENJOY your process. Open heart, open mind, open hands-- just be a WILLING vessel to be used to bring light and positivity to this very dim world. At this point, its okay to stop comparing. I've tested it and it only makes me bitter and resentful.
For we all have need of "PATIENCE" that after we've done what we're called to do, we will reap a harvest from ALL our sowing ( if we don't faint under the pressure.)
Stay Strong. Fight til the end...and don't give up when you mess up. Embarrass embarrassment. Stick to your guns and listen to that still small voice that says "KEEP FIGHTING!"
Your process matters and holding your course will get you to the finish line. I know it's a challenge, but it's a challenge well worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Your perfectly round Serena Williams booty, will be that much fatter..and Cozumel will be so much more fun in a bikini.
(This is me giving myself a pep talk for ditching CROSSFit the last 2 weeks)