Yesterday afternoon, my mom called and told me how she had been bragging about me. This fact alone is not uncommon. She's a proud mama and is happy to let others know all about the things her children have accomplished.
The thing that struck me what the response she got from the women she was speaking to. She told them about my running, the amazing experiences this blog has afforded me, my coaching business and my 15 minutes of fame in Runner's World.
The women (who are also runners) said, "She sounds exactly like who I want to be."
Hmm? Really? You want to be a middle of the pack runner who squeezes in her workouts between carpool and her three daughters' potty breaks? Or if she's really lucky, at 5 a.m.? Or is it the year-round training without pay or sponsorship that sounds appealing? (Note: I'm totally open to sponsorship. Feel free to email me.)
On most days, when I look at myself, I want to be something better. Something more. I think this is a great way to approach life. It keeps me motivated and driven, moving forward in a sense. But the problem with this outlook is that it is easy to overlook how far I have come, how lucky I have been, and how amazing my life truly is. Getting caught up in what's next can make you miss out on what is.
I won't lie, I often forget to take into account is that today could be the best day I ever have. And honestly, today could be my last. It's important not to forget to to LOVE WHO YOU ARE right now, in this very instant.
And when that seems impossible, just remember that there is someone out there who wishes they were just like you.
26 comments:
*humongous smile*
amen.
what a great reminder!!! Your mom rocks!!
I love this!
Also, if I'm ever a mom, you are TOTALLY who I want to be.
I love this. And I really REALLY needed it today. Thanks. xo
Aw, love you! Thanks for the reminder to be present and enjoy now. It's nice to know there are fun events coming up and things to look forward to as well, though!
great post! IT is hard to get caught up in the future, wanting to be something different etc...but sometimes you just need to smile and think about how awesome things are now. I am learning that a lot this week.
Big hugs!!!
A few weeks ago, someone paid me a similar complement. I had no clue how to react because I know I am my own worst critic. It IS easy to forget how far we have come and it does get lost in everything we want to be. I always tell people this," perception is the only truth. It is different for everyone." You choose to see the world you have created as a positive one with growing potential. Thanks for inspiring me to do the same.
Thank you so much for this. Such wise words and a reminder I especially needed today.
Like many of said above - I think I really needed to hear this today, too. And lucky you and your awesome mama ;-)
Love this!!! Love!!
Well said! And can I add that your mom (and her friends) have wonderful attitudes? My mom's friends think my uterus is going to fall out, my organs will cease working, my knees will fail, etc.
Well said. We all need a reminder every now and again. It never hurts to recognize the good in others and strive for that ourselves. You are an amazing woman and your strides keep me motivated and reaching for better!
I love this post. I feel the same way. I am always striving towards a better me, but I really need to enjoy the me I am now! :D
I agree, I love this post!
I often think about the last hug I had with my Dad. Even though we all knew he was very sick and that he would probably not survive his illness (he made the choice to stop treatment), I didn't know that the last real hug he was able to give me would be the last. If I had known, I would have been a little slower to let go.
Great reminder to focus on what is...not what will be. Thanks!
oh man i do feel like in bloggie land we all spend a lot of time comparing ourselves and wondering how we can be bigger, better, more like someone else.
this is a really great post! as always! sorry for my recent lack of comments, work is better so hopefully I'm back!!
I love this post - and it is very timely for me. So I appreciate it even more than I usually would. Sounds like it is time to give yourself a pat on the back and realize that while you may not be perfect, you are accomplishing INCREDIBLE things. Keep up the good work!
LOVE this post! It is so very true!
you're awesome. own it.
I really needed your last line today--thank you!!!!
Exactly! We should all be happy with who we are and where we are in this moment. It's often too easy to wish for more, better, and new ... why not enjoy what is happening now and enjoy the path that has been given to you (good or bad). In everything is a lesson to be learned ... enjoy who you are.
This was so perfect for me to read right now... it's been a super rough day :(
Thanks, T.. for giving me this perspective!
Love this post. Doesn't matter that you feel like you might be going under the radar, that your life might be uninspiring - there's generally someone out there who is saying 'I wish I was like her.'
Well said. I think it's also important to remember that we don't know the full story about those people who we admire or even envy - everyone has their "stuff" - good and bad. We might as well own it and make the most of it!
CHRISTMAS TRADITION: we start baking Christmas cookies over Thanksgiving weekend and do not stop until the week before Christmas. At that point, we arrange cookies of pretty plates and deliver them to all of our neighbors and good friends. This is a tradition that my parents started with me years ago and I am happy to continue it with my own family.
Love your card for the year -- great balance of kid, family, and parent shots. It is sure to please everyone on your mailing list!
Love this. LOVE. :)
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