The power of UNBROKEN

Unbroken:  adjective un·bro·ken \-ˈbrō-kən\ not broken; whole; intact; uninterrupted; continuous; not tamed; undisturbed.

 

Examples:

A never-ending circle

A lifetime bond

Strength in numbers

 

I recently returned from an amazing once in a lifetime trip to the CrossFit Games, a quest for the Fittest on Earth (think American Ninja Warrior meets the Hunger Games).  I know.  I know, you people are sick of hearing CrossFit this and CrossFit that.  However, there were countless life lessons to be learned from the athletes, the volunteers and the fans that almost any person can benefit from no matter what your workout or passion of choice.   Plus, I think I found the next best career as a sports announcer… wouldn’t it just be great?!

 

Here are a few inspiring takeaways from one of the fiercest yet friendliest competitions out there on teamwork, sweat, friendship, and of course, food.

 

On teamwork:  CrossFit is known for its tradition to always cheer for the last to finish.  Make it a priority to support those around you no matter what.  Remember we all had to start somewhere whether this is applies to your workout, your career or parenting.  Plus it makes both parties feel REALLY good.  Maybe just start giving everyone a high-five.

 

On sweat:  California, it was hot out there.  Sweat daily.  It releases toxins from the body and makes you feel good.  And, remember to stay hydrated and sunscreened up.  Our skin is the biggest organ we have.  Take care of it.

 

On humility:  Most elite athletes are untouchable, unmeetable, and unseen.  However, at the CrossFit Games, the competitive athletes walk around after events amongst fans and friends.  It is truly a unique community. I didn’t see Peyton Manning after the SuperBowl, just saying.  Be proud of your accomplishments, yet stay unpretentious.

 

On fitness:  Never before has a crowd of more fit people gathered.  Looking around you see hundreds of tanned biceps, ripped backs, and strong legs.  A constant friendly reminder that we all need to move daily.  Make fitness a priority not to keep up with the athletes but to keep up with the fans.

 

On honor:  There is a massive indescribable sense of honor in a stadium full of athletes of all levels (fitness, age, body type, income, background, ethnicity, etc).  Nothing says character like a goosebump, tear-jerking rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and a fly over. Honor the fallen.  Honor the brave.  Honor the ones who have gone before us.  Honor yourself.

 

On friendship:  There is a bond amongst the CrossFit community worldwide that cannot be broken.  They are family.  They are community.  They all understand MURPH.  Surround yourself with likeminded friends.  Let your inner circle remain unbroken.

 

On competition:  Nothing says camaraderie like a good ol’ friendly competition.  Watching athletes move and work together in the team division is awe-inspiring.  To act like a team you have to move as a team.  Support your team.  Create open lines of communication.  Share.  And don’t forget to wear matching socks.

 

On food:  You are what you eat.  Never before have I been to a stadium that wasn’t full of hot dogs and beer.  The endless amounts of healthy options makes my mouth water just thinking about it.  Choose healthy whenever you can.  Eat real food.  And, don’t forget to indulge once in a while.  Nothing says healthy like a Paleo ice cream sandwich!

 

Unbroken:  adjective un·bro·ken \-ˈbrō-kən\ not broken; whole; intact; uninterrupted; continuous; not tamed; undisturbed.