The frozen apple drops
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --
I traveled to N.Y. on leave to spend the holidays with my family. Within hours of arriving, an ice storm shut down my entire county and others surrounding it.
Frozen in, I had time to reflect on the last year and the journey, which transformed me from a civilian into an Airman.
As I thought about the geographic and cultural changes the year brought, I realized that a new year was just around the corner. I began to think about all the past resolutions I made and forgot over the years. Reminiscing on some old goals, getting six-pack abs or becoming rich, brought a smile to my face. Then I turned my thoughts toward the future, and thought about the goals I would make for my first New Year's as a Service member.
My first thought was, six-pack abs would be nice, but I smiled as I realized there is so much more to health and fitness. I started writing down a list of goals.
New Year's resolutions:
Score more than 95 percent on my physical training test.
Spend more time with my friends and family.
Devote more time to self education.
Become an acting member of a church community.
As I wrote, I had one major goal in mind; I want to make Senior Airman below the zone. I knew every point on my list would have an impact toward that main goal.
As the weather cleared, I looked over my resolutions again and realized a striking similarity to the four pillars of comprehensive airman fitness (physical, mental, social and spiritual). My goals all focused on resiliency.
I thought about my goals several times during my vacation, each time drawing connections between these resolutions and basic tenants I have learned as an Airman.
Each connection I drew prompted revisions to my list. By the end of the week it was completely rewritten.
Become a more resilient Airman.
Live by integrity, service and excellence.
These two goals really say it all for me. Even if I don't make below the zone or define my stomach into rock-hard abs, focusing on these goals will make me a better man, husband, friend, wingman and Airman. One who is able to serve with integrity and excellence, and to handle any obstacle thrown my way.
I am ready to tackle 2014 and all the challenges it may hold.
Frozen in, I had time to reflect on the last year and the journey, which transformed me from a civilian into an Airman.
As I thought about the geographic and cultural changes the year brought, I realized that a new year was just around the corner. I began to think about all the past resolutions I made and forgot over the years. Reminiscing on some old goals, getting six-pack abs or becoming rich, brought a smile to my face. Then I turned my thoughts toward the future, and thought about the goals I would make for my first New Year's as a Service member.
My first thought was, six-pack abs would be nice, but I smiled as I realized there is so much more to health and fitness. I started writing down a list of goals.
New Year's resolutions:
Score more than 95 percent on my physical training test.
Spend more time with my friends and family.
Devote more time to self education.
Become an acting member of a church community.
As I wrote, I had one major goal in mind; I want to make Senior Airman below the zone. I knew every point on my list would have an impact toward that main goal.
As the weather cleared, I looked over my resolutions again and realized a striking similarity to the four pillars of comprehensive airman fitness (physical, mental, social and spiritual). My goals all focused on resiliency.
I thought about my goals several times during my vacation, each time drawing connections between these resolutions and basic tenants I have learned as an Airman.
Each connection I drew prompted revisions to my list. By the end of the week it was completely rewritten.
Become a more resilient Airman.
Live by integrity, service and excellence.
These two goals really say it all for me. Even if I don't make below the zone or define my stomach into rock-hard abs, focusing on these goals will make me a better man, husband, friend, wingman and Airman. One who is able to serve with integrity and excellence, and to handle any obstacle thrown my way.
I am ready to tackle 2014 and all the challenges it may hold.
