Because I SAID so...

"Sit back and low, get those thighs parallel to the floor and send those glutes to that back wall", I say, as I, once again, send my client into yet another set of squats. For I am the "Squat Queen", "Leg Master", and "She Devil" to all of my personal training clients and the participants who frequent my group fitness classes (clients and participants have given me all of these titles, and they are most definitely NOT self-imposed). I immediately notice that this particular client's strength in the squat department has greatly increased and this means that she will soon have the "high hiney" or "tight back end" she desires...good for me! I make no hesitation regarding what I have just discovered and provide some positive reinforcement by telling her that her squat form is "Good!" and "Perfect!" and let her know that she is making phenomenal and noticeable progress. It was merely two months ago that I took this client on and she has been one of the most tenacious that I have ever had the privilege to train. She selected me as her personal trainer because two of her triathlete gal pals informed her that they were pleased with the training I provide and she became convinced that I was the key to the results she sought...but, no pressure, right?!
As I looked upon the progress she has made yesterday afternoon, my thoughts shifted to a principle of training that I learned in both undergraduate and graduate school. The SAID principle says that there are Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands. In other words, when something NEW or unfamiliar is imposed, at first it is difficult. But, the more frequently what was once "new" or "unfamiliar" is experienced, the easier it becomes. I became more pensive and realized that this is a principle that applies not just to exercise, but to LIFE! Life has, once again, and very recently brought me an unexpected experience, change and outcome... and it was definitely something I had not anticipated. My thoughts drift to the spiritual and how God moves, works and orchestrates His plan, purpose and will in every aspect of my life. It was just one year ago that I experienced a similar unexpected change but the difference between then and now is vast. I have seen GROWTH! Had God not brought about a similar experience in my life a year ago and many other times, I would not be at peace and certainly would not have the ability to rest in this outcome. Many scriptures come to mind as I take on life's current twists and turns...Blessed are those who delight in the law of the Lord, for they will prosper (Psalm 1), God's word will not return to me empty, but will accomplish His purposes and what He desires (Isaiah 55:8-11), He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20), He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17), and the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective (James 5:16).
Finally, I come to the conclusion that as much as I think, plan and plot things out, there is only so much that is within my control. And, ultimately, I waive the white flag and welcome surrender! I'm NOT perfect, but I AM progressing and my thoughts conclude with..."Many are the plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21".