We just got back from an amazing trip to Disney world with our son Jaxson, and I can’t help but share a story with you. As I’m sure many of you can relate, a trip to Disney with your family requires a lot of physical and mental energy.
20,000 steps a day, long lines and all the expenses involved will test anyone.
Jaxson was a machine. He didn’t take any naps and rode all the rides until he couldn’t keep his eyes open. One of the rides he really wanted to go on was a ride called Slinky Dog Dash inside Toy Story Land at Hollywood studios. Usually you’d book lightning lane pass for the rides you really wanted to go on, but Kate and I figured he was too small and that this ride would be too intense for him (he’s only two).
As fate would have it, the second we walk into Toy Story Land, he sees Slinky Dog Dash, and immediately says, “I want that!”
So we go up to the front of the line to see if he’s tall enough to ride the ride. As we’re walking up we see the height stick and say to ourselves,”there’s no way.. he’s going to be upset.”
We get up there and wouldn’t you know it, the little guy made the cut by about a 1/2 inch.
Then we saw the line.
130 minutes….
Now I’ve done some difficult things in my life, but waiting 130 minutes in line for a roller coaster with a toddler is going up near the top.
I was able to hold him for the first hour, which was the physical test. The mental test came during the next hour when he began losing his patience. Interestingly, for the last several months I’ve been doing a workout once every week where I carry two heavy kettlebells for a few minutes, the ride an assault bike at a high pace, and repeat this for 25 minutes. The workout is extremely difficult both mentally and physically.
The reason I bring this up, is that after 3 days of carrying my son all over Disney and making it through a 130 minute line for a rollercoaster, I feel absolutely fine. I’m not sure I would have made it through as clean had I not been doing that workout.
The point is that exercise does so much more for you than losing weight or getting stronger. Halfway through our 130 minute wait I face timed Kate, and told her that there will come a day when I’ll wish that I was right back here waiting in line, holding Jaxson.
Working out gives me the physical and mental energy to be able to do hard things that I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and It’s something that I wish for everyone.
Have a great one today!
