Well, I went to Google and searched for fitness blogs…No, that’s not what I’m talking about! I’m talking about right now, this moment, this exact place in your life with all of your experiences behind you. Each and every one of us is the sole member of one very individual human experience. Your thoughts, views, opinions, and feelings are all 100% yours and 100% unique. How amazing is that? Of all the different paths you could have taken (thank you, choose-your-own-adventure books!), have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “How did I get to where I am today?”
I love that question, personally. It’s so easy to constantly be looking forward, rushing from one project to the next. It sounds a little something like this:
As soon as I graduate college, things will… Once I’ve landed that full time job, then… Once I’m married/settled, I’ll… After the bathroom’s been remodeled, then I can…
Don’t get me wrong, having a plan and being productive in that plan are two of my most favorite things. But it’s also important to take a healthy dose of perspective and look at what you’ve already done. Sometimes I find doing that can give me clarity about where I’m headed next.
I was very passionate about running in high school, and also actually pretty good at it. Unfortunately, as many former high school and collegiate athletes can relate to, that also came with a slew of injuries (stay tuned for a later post called The Unlikely Runner for the complete story). Each time I had a set back, it took hard work and determination to overcome it. Fortunately, I was blessed with helpers along my path who pushed me through those hard days and continue to inspire me today. Family members, trainers, coaches, authors, and great athletes I read about (Dara Torres, I’m looking at you!); I felt like I was surrounded by people who believed in me and, when times were really tough, their belief reminded me to believe in myself.
To all of my unsung heroes, I want to take a moment and thank you!
Because of the great example from those in my life, I was able to realize the importance of caring for yourself and loving yourself in every stage of life. And I’ve made it my mission to share that message with as many people as possible. That doesn’t mean you have to “settle” or “just accept” that nothing will change for you. In fact, it means just the opposite! When you feel secure in who you are, it unlocks the door of possibilities. All you have to do is be brave enough to walk through. So instead of waiting to give yourself permission to feel good about yourself until you lose X amount of weight, know that you are incredible right now. Instead of waiting to chase your passion until X happens, why not start running after it now?
So, in the spirit of sharing, how did you get here? Where are you going?
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