A Message from Dory



Courtesy: http://www.the-leaping-lamp.com/dory-finding-nemo.html

A few weeks ago, my nephew introduced me to a new workout he was using.  The workout consists of following along to a routine from one of those infomercial DVD series.  The name of the workout suggests that those following along must be mentally ill.  Anyway, being relatively physically fit, I decided to give it a try. Very few minutes expired before I was ready to stop.  Not wanting to be outdone by a 19 year old, I continued.  Later into the workout, I decided I couldn't go further.  Something in my mind made me think of Dory from Finding Nemo.  Her simple message "Just keep swimming" repeated in my head.  In just a few more minutes, the workout was over.  I must add that I was exhausted and couldn't move well the next day, but that is beside the point.

What I realized through this experience is that Dory's message, though simple and straight forward, has been the message communicated to various cultures for centuries.  We must stay positive, move forward, look to the future, and keep searching.  Be persistent!

I recently heard Dr. Evelyn Nettles speak at a conference about How to Keep Dancing When the Music Stops.  Her message and Dory's message are very similar.  Dr. Nettles stated that the music really never stops.  The music may change, speed up, or slow down but it doesn't stop. 

Music changes - starting a family, dealing with aging parents, family illnesses, marital problems, etc.  Understand that we all face similar challenges and our thought process may not always be together.  When dealing with others, follow Covey's advice - Seek First to Understand, Then Be Understood.

Music speeds up - deadlines, multiple commitments, balancing work and home tasks, etc.  Deal with one thing at a time.  No human can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.  We may "multi-task" and have several things going on at one time.  However, we can't truly drive and read an email at the same time.  It is a disaster waiting to happen.  Do the one thing and "just keep swimming".  You will get to the next thing when you need to.

Music slows down - lying in bed at night stressing about the day's events, worrying about the unknown, listening to Chicken Little and believing that the sky is falling, etc.  It is great for us to reflect.  Just make sure your reflection time considers the positive.  Many times after self reflection, I figure out ways to be proactive for the future.  Understand that we aren't in control.  God wants us to plan, but He prefers we have faith that control is left to Him. 

When I completed that "crazy" workout, I felt a rush of satisfaction.  I don't think I would have traded that feeling for anything.  I truly believe that we can create that same feeling each time we are faced with a challenge and stay the course.  During your next stressful moment or upcoming challenges, remember Dory's message.