Changing My Perspective

For the most part, I am strong.   

 

That is what my socks say, isn't it?  

 

 

But it is easy to become complacent and accepting of the obstacles that are thrown in my way.   

 

And as a result, I find myself settling.   This morning, I was reminded of my mantra:  what's the worst they could say, NO?  If I do nothing and don't ask, the answer is NO anyway.  And sometimes, I say NO for them.  

 

Sure: they could say NO.

But what if.....

What if they say yes? 

--Susie Schubert

 

And so this morning, I considered all my options and have decided that I am no longer settling.  I am no longer accepting or waiting for things to happen, I am seizing opportunities and making waves.   I am commanding the results I expect.  

You get what you settle for.

-- Louise Sawyer, Thelma and Louise 

  I will continue to be strong.  I am going to use my strengths to make things happen.  Today, is a perfect day to begin. 

 

Jumping into the New Year!

Today started with a torrential downpour brought by a thunderstorm!   It was pitch black at 9am.   As a result, I dashed between raindrops on my way to see clients.   Later, I walked to Rice to LG for Missouri Swimming.    Overall, the day was full of successes.   I finished two books!   

I finished both The Magician's Elephant and The Undergorund Railroad.  I thoroughly enjoyed both.     I did not run today, but did spend time stretching.   I have always considered Monday a rest day, when I compete or race on Sunday.     Tomorrow brings back some normalcy as Rice Rec Center is open, and several clients are returning from vacation.    Today is the second day of 2017, and I am reminded that this is a year-long journey.   I continue to write in my book.   

   

Bring it, 2017!

Bring It 2017!  As I write this, I am reminded of one of the recent dance or cheer competition movies, where the underdog actually wins, defeating the A-List team!  

  As I reflect on 2016, I am thrilled with how versatile and resilient I truly am.   I was catapulted across country, landing in Houston.   I managed to live for a month in a hotel room with my four boys!  (Was truly an adventure with cats!)  And I managed to network and build relationships at the Y, Rice Aquatics and privately throughout the city.    I managed to read 76 of the 85 books I planned to read.   My goal for 2017 is to read 85 personal books, or books for enjoyment and  one professional book a month.  I have built a relationship with Brooks Running and will serve as a RunInfluencer in 2017.  I did not compete until recently when I ran a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.  I was not prepared for the never-ending heat of summer.   Now that I know what summer brings, I can better prepare for fall and winter racing.   I can alter my training goals around the summer and apply the skill sets from cold winters and indoor training to a super hot summer.  I have accepted my friend's challenge of being active every single day.   And I did a yoga/Pilates video this afternoon.   Tomorrow, I run! My first Race of 2017 is the ChocoLoco 10K on the 22nd, followed by the Galveston Half Marathon in February.   I am also leading a team in the Y 5K the day before the half-mary......Can you say shake-out run?  In 2016, I joined a Run the Year program through Facebook.   While I completed the 2016miles in 2016, I did not enjoy the social hoopla of it.   The need to post daily and make friends there was beyond me.  As a result, I will be completing 2017 in 2017, but privately, without the medals or FB.  I will be sharing monthly accomplishments here.   

  I read the Bible cover to cover.    This year, I am reading it based on chronological events.   I am looking forward to learning more as I explore this amazing book.  And lastly, I am going to continue to choose wisely regarding my food.   I am learning about my food sensitivities and what affects my health either positively or negatively.  I am seizing this challenge for the next 30days to see how I feel.    

  I know this might read as a checklist, but I am thrilled with my accomplishments this year.   Every day I learn something new about me and the world around me.   I am looking forward to my journey and learning to be the best me I can be!      Will you join me?