Since our attempt at a viral video is currently scalding in the flames of ineptitude, I turn my blog back to writing. In my abundance of free time I often peruse Netflix for things to watch. Those of you who know me, or have read my blog, may understand my deep seated love for cinema or basically any movie picture. There's almost nothing better than diving into a well constructed movie, it has the ability to transport you wholly to another place, feeling, or time.
This is the feeling I was chasing a couple of nights ago when I stumbled on the Discovery Channel program, "Surviving the Cut". Now, it's not a movie, its an hour long TV series that follows the members the military's top specialist schools through their training. Basically it's hour long show that illustrates why the Armed Forces are not to be f*&^ with.
What compelled me to write today's entry was the awe I felt while watching these men go through training. As someone who has been through many a training course, I fancy myself a fairly tough individual. I think I can overcome most obstacles and through pitching, I've been able to hone my mental toughness fairly well. But I watch these shows and come to one simple conclusion - "I can't do that."
That may be an obvious realization for most of you, but for me it was a tough thing to realize. It's hard when you're entire life is based around how well you can perform and you are watching people do something that you don't think you're able to do. The thing that led me to this place was the 'non-stop' aspect of the exercises. I might be able to physically perform each exercise that these guys are doing, but I wouldn't be able to do on 2 hours sleep, with no food in my stomach, and some Sergeant yelling my ear off (I don't respond well to negative reenforcement).
These men are pushed well beyond the limit of normal human output. 20 hour days of absolutely grueling physical torment. Mental tests that are so near impossible that it's almost hard to watch people undertake them. Water training that makes even a good swimmer like myself understand just how adept these men are in the water. It's an experience that is stunning to watch. Most of the schools have a drop-out rate at or over 50%. I implore you, if you have Netflix, you should really check it out. It's some of the most inspirational and powerful human drama you're ever likely to see.
Today was short, but if reading this was better than not reading this - then I feel fine. Have a good week y'all. The Holidays are right around the corner, put your nose down and dig through the drudgery. If there's one lesson to be learned from the men on this show it's that hard work and an unwillingness to quit will get you far.
