Act Your Way Into Feelings

My AA and I were tackling the good ol' question of "Do you feel your way into action?" or "Do you act your way into feelings?" While it would be great if there was clean cut answer, we landed on "it depends." However, we leaned more toward "You act your way into feelings."

She's been given the directive, by me, to ask every day, "Did you walk last night?" She is horrible at asking, unless I didn't walk then she miraculously ALWAYS remembers to ask. She says she is only horrible because when I do walk, I'm so quick to tell her I did that she doesn't have a chance to ask. She's probably right.

I decided to walk 1-3 miles every day a couple of weeks ago. I did great out of the gate but have found when I'm home in Indiana or have friends in town I get dereailed ... not their bad, but mine. Anyway, I've been back on track the last four nights. I'm proud to say I did 3.25, 3.1, 3.4 and 3.5 miles respectively ... some of it even jogging. Here is what I've quickly figured out. So far, even on day 4, I've never "felt" like getting on the treadmill ... not once, not even a little bit. But after I made the CHOICE to walk/jog, I can't top the feeling when it's all said and done and I'm dripping in sweat. You would think after the previous experiences, plus the last four nights of feeling great after the action, the feeling to get on the treadmill would come first. I don't know if it ever will, but boy was it a strong reminder of "CHOOSE (key word) to do what you know to do and the feelings will follow." Now, if only I could apply it to a few other areas of my life.

My final thought with this whole question is "If you act your way into feelings" then what does that mean in regard to the way we do church today...anything? Should we be doing more of some things and less of others? Secretly, I'm kind of getting tired of sitting in the pew/chair/seat (don't judge me, I know teaching is muy importante). I wonder if anyone else is?