What started this notion for me was when I was facing some difficult challenges at work last summer. I just wasn't thriving with the company I was working for due to reasons I won't go into on this blog, but, unfortunately, I was dealing with a lot of tough emotions. I was pretty down in the dumps and needed a way to gain some confidence back into my life.
So, I decided to take up running. In order to give you some understanding on how much I hate running it ranks right behind racism and homophobia as things I despise most in this world. For years I told myself I couldn't run. My body wasn't built for it. I didn't have the stamina. Why bother? There are plenty of other ways to get some exercise. One day I randomly told myself I could do it and maintain it is a way of life. None of this, "I ran for one day so cross that off my Bucket List." stuff. Was I going to run every day in hopes of completing a marathon? No. There's a better chance of me going back to school to become an astrophysicist than becoming a marathon runner. My goal was to run, for however long my body allowed, multiples a week.
And, I started. And, it was awful. I walked more than I ran, but I still ran. Every time I would go out I would run a little bit farther. I kept running through the fall right until the ground had frozen over at the start of winter. I did it. I had reached a goal I never thought I'd make. I also found a new job that got me out of the unhappy situation I was in. Maybe it was just a random coincidence, but I also feel that inner-confidence and contentment tends to lead to outward change.
I don't know if my job happiness hinges on the coming of the Harvest Moon, but at my then current job over the summer I was running into similar issues and politics I had run into in the past. My confidence started to pack its backs and writing its Dear John letter. I couldn't let it leave again so I decided to add on to my challenge of running. While I had picked my running "regiment" again once the weather had thawed, I still didn't have the best endurance.
My normal parade route went from my rented house, down a gravel road to the corner and back. I still was doing a lot of walking between running stints. On a motivated day I could run to the corner without stopping. That was such a feat in my mind that I allowed myself to walk the entire way back instead of my jogging/walking combo. My new goal was to run to the corner and back to my house without stopping. The next time I went running I made all the way around without stopping. The aftermath left my calves stiff for two days, but I can still say I did it. I have to say, this was not a long-term goal. I've only run to the corner and back twice. However, still . . . An accomplishment is an accomplishment.
Whatever you choose doesn't have to me monumental. Maybe you've always wanted to learn how to make red velvet cake. Whatever you choose doesn't have to be something you share with others. There is that old adage that if you say it out loud than you're more apt to do it. I sometimes feel that if you say it out loud than you're more apt to feel foolish if it doesn't work out. The point is this is YOUR goal, so it's YOUR business. You can do it. Just remember: Even if you don't believe you can get it done, there will always be one person who thinks you can. Me.
Positive Thought of the Day:
"If there is tomorrow when we're not together there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - Winnie the Pooh
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