On Being Thankful
So as cliched as this may be, I wanted to take some time to reflect on being thankful, what it means to me and what I am feeling thankful for this holiday weekend.
Taking time to reflect and be grateful, thankful and appreciative of what I have in my life was not something I practiced on a regular basis in my past. I think that this stemmed from fear. Admitting that things were going well just made me worry about the inevitable other shoe dropping and it all going badly. The sad fact is that life is like that...there are always going to be ups and downs. By never really admiring and enjoying your ups, all you will notice are the downs, and so begins and continues the downward spiral. I had to learn to take a deep breath and actually admit when things were good, great or even awesome. And embrace and relax and just enjoy it. Not with a thought about it being fleeting or what was around the next corner. Just being in the moment and loving the moment for what it was and what it was bringing me. Life can be pretty sweet when you allow it to be.
So with that in mind....
I feel absolutely thankful for the richness that exists in many areas of my life. For the people who have been a part of my life for many years and some who are newer connections that I am so grateful to have met. So much of the leaning into your edges and exploring your limits is made possible by the knowledge that you are never alone, that you have a supportive tribe behind you who are rooting for you no matter what. And taking time to recognize and celebrate that is definitely something I try to do on a very regular basis.
With the marathon coming up next weekend, I feel like I would be tempting fate to not mention how thankful I am for my good health and for my body's ability to constantly amaze me with what it can take on and accomplish. I made a pact with myself at the start of May that I would enter into training with a much more respectful mindset towards my body, recognizing when breaks were needed, and giving myself permission to admit when I was in need of rest without judgement. Was one of the hardest things I have done this time around and I think one of the smartest. And expanding that from just physical to also emotional and mental permission to take breaks, pause, and accept wrong choices and move forward. Stopping to recognize and admire all of the things that you CAN do and have done and to stop focusing so much on the challenges that we all have and perceived flaws we carry is the work of a lifetime, and the sooner we can get at it, the better. There is always someone out there who is looking at you in all of your awesomeness, appreciating you for you. It is time that we all learn to look at ourselves with that same soft, gentle gaze.
Finally I am just thankful that I have found my way to where I am today. In this place, in this mindset and with nothing but possibilities in front of me. I recently heard a quote that resonates so deeply "You can't fix what is behind you....you have to run towards what is in front of you." So very true. And I am thankful that I was able to recognize that, and had the support, strength and courage to do so. And I will continue to run towards what lies ahead, feeling grateful and thankful for every footstep that moves me closer to new discoveries and adventures as I go.
I wish you and your tribe all the very happiest of days this weekend. May you find time to take a pause to reflect on what is bringing you happiness and joy in your life, and find ways to continue moving towards those very things.
Taking time to reflect and be grateful, thankful and appreciative of what I have in my life was not something I practiced on a regular basis in my past. I think that this stemmed from fear. Admitting that things were going well just made me worry about the inevitable other shoe dropping and it all going badly. The sad fact is that life is like that...there are always going to be ups and downs. By never really admiring and enjoying your ups, all you will notice are the downs, and so begins and continues the downward spiral. I had to learn to take a deep breath and actually admit when things were good, great or even awesome. And embrace and relax and just enjoy it. Not with a thought about it being fleeting or what was around the next corner. Just being in the moment and loving the moment for what it was and what it was bringing me. Life can be pretty sweet when you allow it to be.
So with that in mind....
I feel absolutely thankful for the richness that exists in many areas of my life. For the people who have been a part of my life for many years and some who are newer connections that I am so grateful to have met. So much of the leaning into your edges and exploring your limits is made possible by the knowledge that you are never alone, that you have a supportive tribe behind you who are rooting for you no matter what. And taking time to recognize and celebrate that is definitely something I try to do on a very regular basis.
With the marathon coming up next weekend, I feel like I would be tempting fate to not mention how thankful I am for my good health and for my body's ability to constantly amaze me with what it can take on and accomplish. I made a pact with myself at the start of May that I would enter into training with a much more respectful mindset towards my body, recognizing when breaks were needed, and giving myself permission to admit when I was in need of rest without judgement. Was one of the hardest things I have done this time around and I think one of the smartest. And expanding that from just physical to also emotional and mental permission to take breaks, pause, and accept wrong choices and move forward. Stopping to recognize and admire all of the things that you CAN do and have done and to stop focusing so much on the challenges that we all have and perceived flaws we carry is the work of a lifetime, and the sooner we can get at it, the better. There is always someone out there who is looking at you in all of your awesomeness, appreciating you for you. It is time that we all learn to look at ourselves with that same soft, gentle gaze.
Finally I am just thankful that I have found my way to where I am today. In this place, in this mindset and with nothing but possibilities in front of me. I recently heard a quote that resonates so deeply "You can't fix what is behind you....you have to run towards what is in front of you." So very true. And I am thankful that I was able to recognize that, and had the support, strength and courage to do so. And I will continue to run towards what lies ahead, feeling grateful and thankful for every footstep that moves me closer to new discoveries and adventures as I go.
I wish you and your tribe all the very happiest of days this weekend. May you find time to take a pause to reflect on what is bringing you happiness and joy in your life, and find ways to continue moving towards those very things.
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