Have you ever embarked on an adventure while thinking “Is this really happening? Is this REALLY happening?“
That’s how I feel this very moment as I sit in an airport diner waiting for my omelet.
I’m headed to St. Louis today to run a Tough Mudder tomorrow. You may remember my Tough Mudder Madness post this past spring when I held a contest to run a Tough Mudder with whoever was willing to enter.
I got a few takers and have a crazy schedule I’m trying to keep for the end of the year.
I ended up canceling Buffalo because of a speaking engagement at BlogHer and I’m not sure I’ll be able to do Tri-State but there was no way I’m missing Kentucky, North Carolina or this weekend’s St. Louis.
I’m running each of those events with people who are very special to me and I can’t wait to experience the Mudder with each and every one of them.
This weekend I’ll be hanging with Kim and her posse.
That was Kim back in March — click here to read her introduction post. I have watched her transform (not only physically but emotionally and mentally) on her blog Zero to Mudder …
and I simply can not believe I’ll be giving her a big ‘ol hug later today.
Kim wrote me this email a few days ago and I asked her permission to share it with you because I think she hits the nail on the head about taking care of “us” first (especially moms.) I can’t read it without crying …
I am so grateful for you Roni – you have no idea. Grateful isn’t a big enough word to describe what I am regarding your initial inspiration just by being you – and then selecting me to do this crazy venture with – to saying encouraging words as I freak out.
They say that people can be inspired by each other and that small things we do can inspire others. I honestly can say I have never been inspired in such a selfish way before. I would be inspired to do things for others all the time but to be inspired to do something just for me??? Oh no…. never! For as long as I can remember, I put everyone above myself on the “list” of who to care for. Typical mom, typical wife or supporter, right?? For THE FIRST TIME EVER IN MY LIFE I am NUMBER ONE on my list. And I love it! It was one hell of a feat to get here but I am NOT giving it up!
As I worked out with my amazing trainer last night who calmed my fears about the Mudder obstacles and gave me great tips on running I looked around the gym and this is what I saw:
My daughter was there because she “needed to run” and work out her stress (she’s a new college student)My husband was there because he has been inspired by my journey and wants to join meThen it hit me, I realized that because I put myself FIRST, I have given my loved ones the best ME I can be and in turn, they are learning how to care for THEMSELVES TOO!
Pretty funny how we can read about other people doing that “put yourself first and you will be a better person for your loved ones” and think, “Yes, but I can’t because” …
Well, screw THAT! I am now a different woman than I was in February when this CRAZY ride began. I am NOT where I “hoped” I would be physically but I discovered something BIGGER and BETTER. This journey was more than just working out, it was conquering a mental beast that was MUCH bigger than my “weight” struggle. I was so focused on calories, exercise and “all or nothing” attitude that I stumbled here and during all of this I found my stride, I found a lifestyle that is working for me, and it feels fantastic. I have found my power, I have found my moxy, and I have discovered that I am stronger than I ever thought possible. And I have just scratched the surface of who I can be. That my dear friend is why I still blame YOU for all of this. Because YOU have been inspiring me for YEARS and the switch finally came on in my life. So “grateful” isn’t a big enough word to describe what I am feeling Roni.
This….
“Then it hit me, I realized that because I put myself FIRST, I have given my loved ones the best ME I can be and in turn, they are learning how to care for THEMSELVES TOO!”
Have truer words ever been spoken?!
That’s today’s weekend quote and I want all the moms (and dads) who put themselves on the bottom of the to-do list to really ponder it. Sometimes it’s hard to balance everyone’s interests, including your own, but it’s oh so worth it and I can’t express with words how ecstatic I am to see Kim come to this realization as I remember the feeling when I figured it out for myself as well.
I’m about to board for St. Louis. While I’m there I’m also scoping out a few hotels for a possible future FitBloggin‘. I’ve also been tasked with getting the 8-year-old a St. Louis key chain, The 2-year-old a St. Louis book, and The Husband a St. Louis T-shirt. This has become our tradition when I travel without them.
Speaking of, I need to give a HUGE shout-out to The Husband who’s been so amazingly supportive of all my travel adventures recently. He’ll never see this (he doesn’t read the blog) but I couldn’t do any of this without him.
I still can’t believe all of this is happening.
I feel like I’m on autopilot.
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