I exercise my biceps harder when I am taking a class or working with a trainer than I do when left up to my own devices.  

Left up to my own devices I lift weights only until my muscles begin hurting.  Then I stop.  I stop because, if I continue, my muscles will be left sore and fatigued.

Trainers and certified instructors are on to people like me.  They understand the real benefits of lifting weights come in the last couple of seconds when muscles are so tired, completing even two more reps, demands that your muscles grow.  Trainers exist to assure that lazy people like me make it through the Dip.

Quitting prematurely - whether lifting weights or participating in a Shine Rayvolution - means missing out on rewards that will only come after the hardest work is done.  Powering the Planet with shine is every bit as much a work out as the Total Conditioning class offered at your local gym.  Succumbing to yesterday's Dip would be equivalent to leaving class immediately after warm-up. 

Even Seth Godin explains, "Quitting when you hit the Dip is a bad idea.  If the journey you started was worth doing, then quitting when you hit the Dip just wastes the time you've already invested."

What a difference a day makes.

This morning I am feeling glad to be in class with you - you, who is as committed as I, to plowing through your own Dips.

Robin and her advocacy for natural child birth; Karlie and her commitment to eliminating breast cancer; Cheryl and her passion for art; Kate and her devotion to her husband, her boys, and supporting the military; Holly and her longstanding conviction for issues of social justice; Peggy and the seriousness with which she takes her role as parent-educator; and Heather and Misty and all the other readers who show up at the House of Shine each day committed to shining.

Maybe convening here each day is like a Total Conditioning class.  Maybe you - like me - work harder when there are others around to help you push through your Dips.

I'm not certified, I have more fat than muscle, and I have zero rhythm.  But, if visiting the House of Shine can provide the energy you need to push through your Dips, then grab your sneakers and a water bottle.  Game on.

Shining off until tomorrow...