Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Overcoming Obstacles

There are several individuals in my life right now who I admire. Recently, I learned about some challenges that have come up for one of my friends and I really was impressed at how this person decided to move forward. Her ability to stay focused inspired me.

How do I apply that to what is going on for me right now? When I began this blog it was to share my experience as I train for the Race for the Cure. About a month ago I experienced some back pain that came on suddenly and kept me from my normal running schedule. Last week we had hot and humid weather that kept me from my normal running schedule. I am happy to say that I have returned to my running and am pain free. We lost our internet service after a storm a few days ago and I have not been able to blog. (I attempted this on my cell phone and found it more challenging than it was worth.) Again, applying this today, I draw inspiration from those around me and how they work through the ever-changing experiences of life and what comes our way. I remember to have an attitude of gratitude and keep my focus on my goal.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Race for the Cure Progress

With 34 days to go, I am well on my way in both training and collecting pledges for Race Day! The weather this past week has been much more pleasant for running and I feel good about the progress I've made in training. I spoke to my sister a few days ago and we are both excited about the upcoming event. I head to Denver on September 25.

Looking over the past 60+ days, I must give credit to all who have helped me in this process; my chiropractor, Joannne Chapman, the great nutritional support from Univera products (visit http://juliebrown.myunivera.com for more info), my trainer, Cate, massage therapy and all of those who have pledged their support financially as well.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Where I need to be

This morning I took some time to go through my email inbox to read some emails that I had put off as less important than the ones I address daily. So there were a bunch. I give myself perhaps the first few lines of each and if it doesn't catch my attention then I promptly delete it. It's the same approach I have with reading a book. I give it 100 pages and then make the decision whether or not to continue. This is quite a different approach for my recovering Type A personality. In the past I would have tried to do it all in all areas of my life. I now find that exhausting.

So I opened this email and read some inspirational words stating in general that "we are right where we need to be in the process of living our lives".(http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/19622.html) Wow, how profound as yesterday I came to a decision on a matter that I have been working through for some time. This, I decided, was an opportunity for me to see that I am right where I need to be in my life. It may not be where I thought I would be, but it is right just the same.

So if you are reading this, take a moment to go to the link attached to this title and read "The Daily Om". I hope you are right where you need to be, too.

Monday, August 10, 2009

A Day at the Beach

I have been to the beach more this summer than in the past 5 summers combined. In writing that I somehow feel a need to defend myself as if sitting in a lawnchair in front of the water is actually doing "nothing". I admit I have had more down time this past week than earlier in the summer, but I have been waiting for this. Rather than take a week of summer vacation this year, my husband and I have been taking long weekends this month. Half way through the month and I realize how much I needed these shorter weeks and longer weekends.



As I sit in my chair watching the waves, I am also able to admire the surroundings in so many others ways. We have had very good company with us leading to some interesting conversation. I am always acutely aware of my surroundings and most often we are within earshot of a young family with children. Both my husband and I are "kid lovers" so we often look longingly at the parents playing in the sand building sandcastles or flying kites. In fact, one day last week we visited the beach for the first time with two of our grandchildren. It was a lot of work hauling everything in, but so much fun, too.



I love that children can be so present and that everything is so new through their eyes. I have become better at not multi-tasking when I am with my grandchildren because I know this time is short. I want to enjoy it. Yesterday, my husband and I sat rather impatiently waiting for Finn to wake up so we could play with him. Oh, to hear the new words and see him make connections to people and things as we ask him "where is Nana, Papa, book, etc. And this weekend the yougest one, Blake, took his first steps. That was exciting itself, but then our daughter sent us video on the phone to watch it happening over and over! That was exciting. So these are the things I am choosing to remember and keep precious to me when I have days full of "busy-ness". These memories will bring me back to what it feels like to sit and be still like spending a day at the beach.