Life...
Okay, so you've seen the trip to China,what an amazing time. I got home and went immedietly to work on my show...Americas Fittest Model www.americasfittestmodel.com . It was a huge success and I'm sure we made history with a new format of promoting fitness events...others will begin to copy, or try.
Our very own Jamo and his lovely wife Rachelle were in attendance along with some other MFT members (screenname Fmax), we truly are a family. During the show, and also during my seminar I realized what a wonderful and unique platform I've been given to share my heart with people. I feel so honored and so fortunate to be able to do what I do and meet the people I meet. More on the show later, Jamo and I got some AWESOME video that will be posted later.
The purpose of my blog today is to just share my heart on what I'm feeling and i do this becuase i know many of you are feeling the same way.
I looked into the mirror this morning and saw an aging Clark! It shocked me into thinking, 'damn, I'm getting old." The lighting was perfect to show every wrinkle, bag under my eye, thinning hair line and sagging face. It was 3am, I couldn't sleep, but the fact is...I am getting older and I need to embrace it. I tell people all of the time, "our body is the lowest form of expression of who we are!" and I need to understand that myself...daily.
We live in a world of physical beauty and my looks and physique are part of my career, so I must admit that it's a bit hard to swallow the fact that I'm changing...physically. On the other hand I'm also growing and realizing what is really important in life...family, friends, quiet time, arguments with your wife, kids not always getting along, meeting new people,seeing the world, understanding other cultures,helping a friend, saying hello to a street person and asking how they are doing, making up with your wife :} and all of those things. Anyway, I could expound so much deeper and really open my heart, but I think your feeling me.
My encouragement to you today is to enjoy your life, no matter how old you are, how many hairs you've lost, or if there is a prettier girl in the gym that the guys are now noticing more than you...life is more than we allow it to be by just focusing on the physical aspect of who we are.
Remember, you are not who you are becuase of your body!
I'm not preaching here, just opening my soul to some friends who may be feeling as I do this morning. So, have a great day, take some time to meet a new person, discover something new about someone else, encourage a hurting friend, reach out to someone in need or take some quiet time to reflect...you have so much to be thankful for.
Thanks for reading and sorry for the grammar and puncuation, but hopefully none of that matters at this point.
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Absolutely fantastic blog
Absolutely fantastic blog Clark. This is why I respect and admire you and Jamo both so much. You guys are so much more than just building muscle you are good, caring quality people. I cannot agree with you more on what you are saying in this blog. For me its my family that really drives me and motivates me, its the friends on this site that i have made that truly make things worthwhile. God Bless y'all.
I really
enjoy it when people see what the REAL treasures in life are.
My blogs reflect things that feed the mind and spirit, but that's ME.
I loved your China blog. I remember teaching my 6th graders and 8th graders about the Great Wall of China.
How the lives of those who died were entombed in the wall itself. Legends of the great stone serpent.... how it stole the lives of the ones who starved or died from overwork. It has been said that the wailing of the souls cry from the cracks of the wall.
Wonderful to have you here....sharing more than exercises for the body.....fuel for the soul.
:-) Hugs 2 U, Teri
Thanks for the inspirational blog Clark
You know, that's one thing I've absolutely loved about my journey through bodybuilding.
So many obstacles, road blocks, mole hills and mountains to overcome. Each one teaches a life lesson once you figure out how to conquer it.
It started out as taking care of my physical looks. I was simply overweight and didn't like it. But it evolved into an entire body experience. Spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally... all of these are crucial to maintain and develop in order to become the best version of "you" that you can be.
I just read an article about Kirk Douglas in the newspaper today, and he's turning 91 if I remember correctly. He said a quote that really stood out, "If you die before you do something for humanity, you should really be ashamed of yourself." I interpreted it loosely to mean that we should take care of everyone, and not be self-centered.
Granted, we are us, or rather, you are your own person, and yes you should take care of yourself firstly, but you should also live your lives to help those around you.
You know, on my way to the bank today I passed a familiar building. This building has been aroud all my life, and different companies have inhabited this building, but I was curious as to what company currently rented the place, because I never actually took the time to look. Ironically it was "Habitat For Humanity". It was painted on the front of the building just above the door entrance.
I thought to myself, I would really like to go in there one day when I have time (and I will make time, I just have to work today in like 20 minutes ^ ^) and I want to ask them what kind of involvement I can get myself into.
To me, helping others is so fulfilling, spiritually and emotionally. Call me soppy or whatever, i guess its the girly side of me... lol... but its a side of me nonetheless.
"Obsession is a term the lazy use to describe the dedicated" - Anon.
"Shoot for the stars, you might just reach the sky" - Unknown
In response to you brother ..
.. Im 42 this coming december and every day I see things in me that i never saw when i was 21 BUT to be honest pick someone our age who doesn't do what we do he will look 70 !! We put our heart in this and thats why we will never look our age . I always liked your attitude from day one brother and thast why im so honored to have here with us . I have no doubt that this site will evolve so quick with your help .. So really your energy and drive makes you look like 20 really .. I never worry abt that age factor , actually i'm soo looking forward to be 60 ..YOU KNOW WHY? Because i know this site will huge with You myself and all the team member goofing around telling people how it is . Thanks Again for the great show , im soo looking forward to the Los Angeles one Im sure it will be a huge hit Lets make it happen bro . Peace Jam