The Ultimate Yes

Why am I running?

 

There are now just nineteen days to go before these legs take me on a 13.1 mile journey through the streets of Cinncinnati, Ohio.  I've been training for a half-marathon for the past two and half months and even though I'm a bit nervous about the upcoming event, I'm looking forward to race day.  My personal goal is to run the course in two hours or less which I think is doable, but it'll depend on how I feel that day. I've read about the serious hills I'll encounter around Mile 5 which will more than likely impact my usual eight minute-mile pace, but perhaps I'll make up the time on a few of those lovely downhill slopes.  

During some of my long training runs, I've often asked myself, "Why are you running this race?"  Even with my favorite tunes playing through my iPod into my ears, I can hear the voice inside my head loud and clear.  When you run long enough and travel a distance on foot that any rationally-minded person would just get in a car and drive to, the kind of conversations you have with yourself as you're huffing and puffing along become rather interesting.  There have been plenty of times during those long runs when I've seriously considered my own sanity.  Fortunately, there have been more times when I've experienced what is known as runner's high and over the last few weeks as my training runs have gotten longer (I ran ten and a half miles this past Friday), I've realized how much I enjoy that endorphin-producing, zen-like state of body and mind. 

I'm not running just so I can get high (although I'll admit this is something I look forward to when it occurs around Mile 6 or so). I'm running because it inspires me and makes me feel good about myself.  I'm running because I want to challenge myself physically. I'm running because it reminds me I'm capable of doing whatever it is I set my mind to doing. I'm running because come May 3, I will be amongst thousands of people who, like me, made the choice to run because it matters to them. 

What if all the choices we made in our lives were made from that place of possibility and positive outlook?  What if, despite our fears, doubts and worries, (or using a running metaphor - the blistered feet, chafed body parts and sore muscles) we all lived our lives (ran a race) as though everything about it was good?   What if even during times of hardship and grief and when we're not feeling particularly brilliant (like Mile 10), we still make the choices we do because they make us feel MORE alive than were we not to make them?  Yeah.  That's why I'm running. 

It's time to put on the running gear, apply a few band-aids to that blister, lace up those new shoes, and go live the day.  Whatever choices you're making today, I hope you'll do the same.  

Flying Pigs? What the &#(%?

 

I just hit the send button that officially makes me a participant in the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati.  Despite the shrill voice in my head that's screaming, "What in the world have you just done?", I have the biggest grin on my face and I owe it all to Patti Digh.  I don't know Patti personally nor have I ever had any correspondance with her, but I've been reading her 37 days blog for quite awhile now and a couple months ago I picked up her delightful book, "Life is a Verb" in my local bookstore.  

She has inspired me in a variety of ways, but c'mon, who in their right mind registers to run 13.1 miles on behalf of a stranger's invitation?  Apparently I do and I'm pleased to say I'm not the only one who's said "Yes!" to joining Patti's team of "37 Days" runners. Several others are traveling to the mid-west to huff and puff their way through the half-marathon on Sunday, May 3.  While Patti is running this event in honor of her upcoming 50th birthday later this year, I'm running it in celebration of turning 40 recently. 

I've done plenty of spontaneous things before, but this one comes with a major caveat; three months of some serious stamina and strength training.  I've been a runner for most of my life, but it's been quite awhile since I've gone past the three-mile mark and there's a BIG difference between three miles and thirteen!  I've run a half-marathon once before and it didn't kill me so I know I can do this.  However, that was nine years ago and right now (as I sit contemplating the wild-n-crazy decision I just made) it feels like there's a BIG difference between 31 years of age and 40.  While I'm acutely aware that my body is older and it's likely that training for this run will be a bit more challenging than it was a decade ago, I'm still smiling.  

It's time to stop thinking and take this body of mine (along with that voice in my head) out for a run. It'll be May 3rd before I know it and this is one 40 year-old who's going to cross that finish line with a grin on her face not a grimace.

p.s. A big shout-out to Rick Hamrick for introducing me to Patti's blog through his writings. In this case, when I say, "It's all your fault", it's a very good thing indeed.

President Obama...YES!

 

"Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark." ~ Rabindranath Tagore

It's been a time of tremendous joy, profound gratitude and many Thank-You-God moments since I heard the sweet words, "Barack Obama has been elected the 44th President of the United States."  My heart has been filled to the brim with hope and happiness.  With every ounce of my being, I feel this country has chosen not only the best candidate to lead this nation forward, but the most genuine and inspirational politician I've seen in a very long time.  Throughout his entire campaign, I believed in him. I just knew this was the man who America and the rest of the world would say "YES!" to.

While I don't consider myself a religious person, my faith in all that is good and true...things like love and compassion, hope and the human spirit...was never in doubt during these past two years.  I know I worried way too much at times, but my belief in big change never wavered.  Even during some of the darkest moments, I kept on believing that the will of the people would prevail and the man who inspired millions would be president.  YES WE CAN has become YES WE DID. 

I know there is much to be done in the coming days, months and years ahead, but right now I am celebrating the fact that Barack Obama will be this country's president in a little more than two months time.  I am ecstatic that I will soon have a president I can be proud of...a president who listens and who values honesty, integrity and authenticity.  I believe in this man and in the American people to bring about the changes our country needs.  We did it.  We really did it. 

God didn't vote.  We did. I can't help but say it though...Thank God.

A Tsunami is Coming

It's a beautiful, crisp morning here in Bend, Oregon. I'm sitting in the sunshine atop the comfy king-sized bed I've slept in the past couple of nights hoping my wireless internet connection will last longer than it did last night.  That's the reason I didn't post yesterday...I couldn't get online.  Feeling irked at my computer was not the way I wanted to end my day so instead of trying to control the situation, I just turned the darn thing off.  Sometimes I get a little worried when I think of how much I rely on modern technology.  I never want to be so 'plugged in' that I forget what's really important.

Dance has become really important to me.  Over the past eight years, dance is one of the things that has taught me how to express myself more creatively and authentically.  It has given me the freedom to move my body in a way that no other athletic endeavor of mine has done before. 

Dance is one of the best ways I've found to connect with my higher self, that part of me that is not my mind, not my ego and not even my body, but who I really am...a playful spirit.  It's what has led me here to Central Oregon this weekend.  It's what is leading me to my next BIG dream (besides writing my first book) which is creating a movement center along the north Oregon coast called Tsunami.

I don't know how I'll fund it.  I don't know exactly what my next steps will be, but I KNOW (just like I KNOW about writing my book right now) it's something I'm meant to do.  Ever feel that way about something in your own life?  It's not just a dream. It feels like it's your destiny.  It resides deep inside you and sometimes keeps you up at night.  It's full of passion and desire and calls out to you to listen and take action. 

Writing and dancing have become the steady fire that burns within me.  A tsunami is coming and I have no doubt that this wave will be one of the greatest rides I've ever been on.

Writing and Bidding and Painting, Oh My!

I wrote for a wee bit while at work today, but I'm finding it pretty challenging to get into the right head and heart space while I'm waiting on customers.  One more day to go and then my daily schedule is much more mine.  I have a strong feeling that the chapters of my book are going to be named after what I might call 'states of being'.  Taking another look at what appeared on the page today, I think these states of being not only represent some of my personal values, but are also some of the qualities most people look for in relationships .  Here are the first few I came up with today:

• Be honest
• Be real
• Be brave (I think I like courageous or vulnerable better)
• Be forgiving
• Be grateful
• Be loving

I'm excited to spend Sunday in front of my computer instead of behind a restaurant counter.  It's been fun, but my three month waitressing gig is done.  The picture you see in this post is the painting I bought this evening at an art event that's going on this weekend in my home town of Cannon Beach, Oregon.  This evening's "Quick Draw" event was an anniversary of sorts for my husband and I.  Four years ago, we met one another at this same venue and at that time, James bought a painting.  I thought I'd celebrate the occasion this year by purchasing one myself by an artist I've admired for awhile. The scene depicts the place where James and I met, got engaged, were married and now call home. 

James purchased something at the auction tonight that is every kid's dream. I'll save the story of "The Treat Woman" and what that auction item is for tomorrow's post as it's time to rest this tired, pre-menstrual, standing-on-my-feet all day body. 

Something BIG is coming this way!

In my newsletter this month, I write about the importance of going after our dreams. Beginning November 1, I will be pursuing one of my biggest dreams BIG time.  I'm going to be writing my first draft of my first book in 90 days and I'll be sharing my journey of that undertaking right here...every day.

I'm inviting others to come and play what might be deemed as "The Inspirational and Somewhat Insane Challenge" by sharing a dream of theirs and what they'll be doing in the next 90 days to take them a step or two closer to having what they want.

Go to my website, check out the archived section and then have a read of October's newsletter.  Then come back here, leave a comment and let me know if you want to play.  I'd love for you to be on my blogging support team as my book, "The Girl Who Looked Into the Mirror", is written and my process is shared here over the next three months.  Three days and counting...

A Special Holiday YES

I've just put the finishing touches on my first flash movie and it's making its appropriate debut here. I've been wanting to create an inspirational message with words, pictures and music for some time, but I just didn't know how to go about doing that. I did a google search a few weeks back and up pops an interesting site called called Toufee.  The name is a combination of the words touch and feel and it couldn't be more aptly suited to what this incredible flash program allows you to do. 

After playing with the program for awhile and receiving excellent email help from the company's founder and CEO, Sanchit Bhatnagar, I was able to bring to life (and to the internet) my film creation. It's my hope that my message will spread like wildfire and will touch the lives of millions of people as I find ways to get it out into the world. 

In addition to my film's message, my wishes for you this holiday season are:

• Enjoy and embrace those moments that challenge you rather than react to them.
• Be honest and real about how you feel rather than pretending to be someone you're not.
• Ask for what you need for yourself and from others so that you can show up and be fully present throughout the holidays and into the New Year.

Your presence is the best present you can give anyone. Give of yourself fully, freely and frequently to those you love in the days ahead. This includes yourself.

May the remaining days of this year pass by at a pace that gives you enough time to appreciate all that you have and all that you are. And may whatever holiday you celebrate be filled with many opportunities to laugh a lot, love big and look forward to the new year ahead.

Happy Holidays Everyone!