Is it possible to have the best and worst time all at the same time? I am here to tell you it is...
This summer has been a challenge. I received information that has changed how I think about things and has explained why my athletic goals have been more challenging to achieve. I allowed it to get me down for a short period of time but during that time I also learned a heck of a lot about myself and my relationships. I can often be heard talking about the fact that I am a relationship person, after all I have also been heard stating that I should change the name of my blog to the social athlete. But what I have realized in all of this is that relationships are a priority it my life, and those relationships are what have made this shitty summer the BEST summer of my life.
As I was learning how to deal with this new information, I have been blessed with the growth and development of some new and existing friendships. I have literally had the best time of my life this summer and know that there is so much more to come!!! I have also re-prioritized how my athleticism fits in with my overarching life goal of achieving happiness which is evident by my contentedness with sitting on the sidelines cheering for my running buddies while they run their marathons.
I keep this 'journal' that highlights a notable moment of each day. It is not a journal in the typical sense because until recently it was simply a quick statement on a printed out outlook calendar, of that moment I really wanted to remember every. It has gotten a little more formal because I now have a book, that is part of the happiness project. The book allows me to keep track of, and go back to reflect of the best moments. Some of the notable moments I see when I look back on this summer include crossing the finish line of a half marathon with my 'bestie' (I hate that term but thought it would be fun to use it), a random 60 mile bike ride, apples and more apples with my mom, shopping with my sister (and I hate shopping), a 10 miler with my sister in law and sister, a failed triathlon (yes that was still a good day), the half iron man with my brother in law and sister, flat tires on bike rides, hermit crabs, camping, concerts (Michael Franti never disappoints), and the list could go on!!! None of these things would have been as fun, had awesome people not been by my side...
So, here is the deal. I have some goals for the next calendar year which include some fairly significant events. For example, I will run another half marathon and participate in Pedal to the Point. The half marathon is going to be awesome because one of my friend's will be running her first and I anticipate crossing the finish line with my good friend again and the other goal is Pedal to the Point which will allow me to raise money for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Also both of these events will stretch me and my athleticism in a new way. The fact of the matter is that the friends are one of the biggest reasons I charge on!!! They are also the reason this summer has been so great and I see no reason why things won't continue and get even better as I strive to cross the start line, and hopefully the finish line of the various goals with my greatest friends right next to me while inserting other fun adventures along the way that have absolutely NOTHING to do with athleticism.
Although I know there are more 'worsts' to come in my life, my friends have made me realize if I just look around, the best can be happening in that same moment.
This summer has been a challenge. I received information that has changed how I think about things and has explained why my athletic goals have been more challenging to achieve. I allowed it to get me down for a short period of time but during that time I also learned a heck of a lot about myself and my relationships. I can often be heard talking about the fact that I am a relationship person, after all I have also been heard stating that I should change the name of my blog to the social athlete. But what I have realized in all of this is that relationships are a priority it my life, and those relationships are what have made this shitty summer the BEST summer of my life.
As I was learning how to deal with this new information, I have been blessed with the growth and development of some new and existing friendships. I have literally had the best time of my life this summer and know that there is so much more to come!!! I have also re-prioritized how my athleticism fits in with my overarching life goal of achieving happiness which is evident by my contentedness with sitting on the sidelines cheering for my running buddies while they run their marathons.
I keep this 'journal' that highlights a notable moment of each day. It is not a journal in the typical sense because until recently it was simply a quick statement on a printed out outlook calendar, of that moment I really wanted to remember every. It has gotten a little more formal because I now have a book, that is part of the happiness project. The book allows me to keep track of, and go back to reflect of the best moments. Some of the notable moments I see when I look back on this summer include crossing the finish line of a half marathon with my 'bestie' (I hate that term but thought it would be fun to use it), a random 60 mile bike ride, apples and more apples with my mom, shopping with my sister (and I hate shopping), a 10 miler with my sister in law and sister, a failed triathlon (yes that was still a good day), the half iron man with my brother in law and sister, flat tires on bike rides, hermit crabs, camping, concerts (Michael Franti never disappoints), and the list could go on!!! None of these things would have been as fun, had awesome people not been by my side...
So, here is the deal. I have some goals for the next calendar year which include some fairly significant events. For example, I will run another half marathon and participate in Pedal to the Point. The half marathon is going to be awesome because one of my friend's will be running her first and I anticipate crossing the finish line with my good friend again and the other goal is Pedal to the Point which will allow me to raise money for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Also both of these events will stretch me and my athleticism in a new way. The fact of the matter is that the friends are one of the biggest reasons I charge on!!! They are also the reason this summer has been so great and I see no reason why things won't continue and get even better as I strive to cross the start line, and hopefully the finish line of the various goals with my greatest friends right next to me while inserting other fun adventures along the way that have absolutely NOTHING to do with athleticism.
Although I know there are more 'worsts' to come in my life, my friends have made me realize if I just look around, the best can be happening in that same moment.
You inspire me to keep moving. May you continue to cross the Starting line. The Finish line is bonus.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like a good friend to renew our spirit! Thinking of you, Sarah!
ReplyDelete