Extreme Ownership: Is it for You?

I just completed my May read for the month: Extreme Ownership by Leif Babin and Jocko Willink.

In our world today, sometimes it can be difficult to swim through everyone's opinions and get to the crux of matters. 

This book gives you the tools to lead people (and yourself!) You may have a leadership position at work or church or at little league...or you may not. But, no matter what, YOU are the leader of your life.

DO YOU EVER FEEL STUCK?

I have to admit, it's not easy for me to admit my deepest darkest struggles. But then I remember all of the people who show up for me on a daily basis...whether that's through a podcast or a Facebook live or a training or a text or phone call.

They make me a better person. They encourage me. I get to move forward and not stay stuck. Because they are willing to be vulnerable and talk about things that many don't have the courage to speak up.

I'm not talking about "airing my dirty laundry" - that phrase makes me cringe every time I hear it. I'm talking about sharing honest, sometimes daily struggles that make us human. 

We have choices, you and I. Do we choose to let the struggles define us or do we search blindly until we find a way through the dark maze out into the light?

Sometimes I begin with a topic in mind. And then I start writing and it goes a different way. The intention was to talk about being stuck. And thought I could stick with that, but there is something more pressing on my heart.

I planned to publish a post on that day but I just couldn't bring my heart to the party on "the" day.

Two years ago last week, I was faced with the biggest challenge of my life. A challenge that would change me and my husband forever. I will never be the same. And neither will he...

Looking back, there were signs. But who pays attention when you're in the middle of a busy life running here and there and everywhere? And hindsight is 20/20, right?

I've been over the series of events that took place so many times in my head. But that doesn't change any of the remaining events that took place. Do I wish we would have paid more attention? Yes. But you don't know what you don't know. And we had no idea.

I knew there was something wrong immediately. I felt it in my heart. I was praying so hard that I was wrong. But intuition told me to hold on for it was going to be a ride like never before.

My husband was talking on the other end of the phone. But his words were jumbled up. I could tell he thought I could understand him. I asked him to slow down. I still couldn't comprehend much of anything he was saying. The only thing I could understand was, "I'm so tired. I just need rest."

I was freaking out on the inside but trying to stay calm. He was three and a half hours away from me. My mind was racing trying to concoct some semblance of a sensible plan. How could this have happened? I didn't have time to think about that. I grabbed as much as I could and stuffed it into a bag. I jumped into the car and took off. All I knew was I had to get to him. And fast. 

I needed a real time update and not from him. I called my friend and asked if she could go and check on him in person. She said she could be there in 15 minutes. I was relieved. Thank God for her. She kept me sane while driving like a wild woman up the road. Between phone calls, I was praying. And attempting not to hyperventilate. Or have a panic attack. I could hardly breathe for those two hours.

I'm grateful for every single day. I'm grateful for the recovery God granted him. It reminds me to live every day to the fullest because you never know when something will change your life forever. And I don't say that in fear. I have simply accepted that that's how life is. No matter how much we resist change, I promise it will always come.

When you step into the light, take a breath, let your eyes adjust and see what you see.