Overworked (@sbpodcast @jdblundell) #Digidisciple

Nearly twenty years ago a man went to work for a large tech company.

He was the perfect guy for the position.

A child genius, he taught himself programming and ended up testing out of several grades in school and graduated and enrolled in college by the time he was 16.

He loved what he did and for the most part it’s come easy for him.

As well as being a tech-enthusiast, the man loved motorcycles as well. He’s an official member of the Iron Butt Association – a group of motorcycle riders who have ridden 1,000 miles or more within a 24-hour period. The man’s passions shine through in the effort he puts into everything.

Not long ago he was involved in a motorcycle accident while attempting a cross country trip, from the northwest corner of Alaska, to the southeast tip of Florida.

When he returned home, a few medical tests showed that he had more health issues than he might have initially imagined.

He soon found that his low energy and weak metabolism was the result of a much larger problem – high estrogen levels and low testosterone levels.

With this news, he visited several specialists to find the root of his health issues.

After numerous tests and a number of prescription drugs, his energy levels and metabolism began to improve.

It was a noticeable difference. His family members and co-workers began to see right away.

The doctors explained that the root cause of his issues was a lack of cortisol, a hormone responsible for the production and maintenance of both testosterone and estrogen in the body.

As the man and his wife began digging deeper into the issue, they came to discover that his issues didn’t start with the motorcycle accident but they appeared to have started seven or eight years before.

While changing positions and hours at his company, the man took on additional work – “like a good capitalist” – to help supplement his income.

Thursday through Sunday he worked his regular 40 hours at the tech company and Monday through Wednesday he continued working by picking up additional freelance clients and work.

Yet even after his hours at the office shifted back to a more normal work schedule, the man continued his extra work with his freelance clients.

The extra work and stress led to a mild stroke and despite doctor’s warnings, the man continued to push himself – burning the candle at both ends.

In the end, the added stress and self-imposed pressure to succeed was detrimental to his health.

The doctor added that this stress on his body even short circuited his fight-or-flight response.

The doctor explained that if a refrigerator had fallen on a friend or family member, the man would have simply shrugged his shoulders and walked away.

The man was left with a choice — continue the journey he was on, or repent of his ways.

He chose to repent.

As a digidisciple what will you choose?

You can hear the full story on the something beautiful podcast.