The G.I.F.T. 11-29-11

Hello, everyone...here is the summary from last month's meeting...

“I give to life exactly what I want life to give to me.”

Has anyone done anything different since we last met? Have you asked and answered yourself any of the questions? I shared with the group about my first big speaking enagement, a possible new opportunity that may come in January, continued reaching to other organizations, and the success of my blog.

We talked about fears and why we let them win. Why? Because it is easier to do nothing than it is to do something.

We do what is expected of us, even if we don’t want to. Look at your families who have generations that have the same vocation – firefighters, electricians, etc – Why do they pick the same type of work? Is because they love it too or because they are influenced by the people in their family? My parents are teachers. What happens if the message you are getting is different than the message that the family is sending to you? How do we know which one to follow? The easy one. The voice we usually follow is the one that will create the least amount of friction. Going against the grain is never easy. But if it is right, then the people that are against you will follow. Have you ever had someone want something for your life that you didn’t want? Do we still allow their voices to be heard over our own voice and heart? Why or why not? Who decides? Who should decide?

EXERCISE: Use your book. Write down five things people thought you should have done with your life. Write down the five things you want to still do. Most of the group could only come up with a couple for each and several people shared what they wrote down.

Quotes: “My intuition is always on my side. I trust it to be there at all times.”
“Each problem has a solution and all experiences are opportunities for me to learn and grow.”
“It is my birthright to deserve all that is good.”
“The past is over and done and has no power over me. Today’s thoughts create my future.”
“I constantly have new insights and new ways of looking at my world.”

Sharing our dreams: why is it easier to share with people we don’t know vs. our families? I shared again with how easy it was for me to admit that I was unhappy with my weight with Rocky when I first met her. Never told a family member or even someone I had known longer. Why? Because I thought she wouldn’t judge; she wouldn’t hold me accountable; she wasn’t vested in anything (yet); I thought it didn’t matter to her. I was wrong.

Knock on doors and share – open up.
People will wonder what your inner voice says to you and why. You know it when it feels right. You will fall in love with it. It will be difficult and make you do more than maybe you thought you were signing up for, but it will be something you treasure every day and twice on Sunday. It will fill your heart with such joy that you cannot imagine it not being here. It will be indescribable. Sometimes it is something that you never saw yourself doing, you have no knowledge about, but it calls to you. You have to answer.

What happens if something gets in the way? Because it will. And usually what you think it will be that causes you headaches, isn’t really a big thing. It will be something you never thought of – even the perfect plans can find a loop hole.

What is meaningful work to you? Do we think we have to choose between meaningful and your job? Can they be both? What is your dream job? Remind yourself of a time when you did something good? Maybe for someone else? How did it make you feel? Why don’t we try to do that as much as possible?

You have heard the phrase, “Life is not a sprint, but a marathon.” Should we train for it? How? 15 minutes a day is all it takes. Then you consciously choosing and dedicating those 15 minutes became something you don’t even think about – it becomes a part of you. I never thought that we trying to lose weight and "running" would become what I do and something that I love to do.

“I believe more in the chance of something new than the knowing in the guarantee of something old.” – Michelle Homme

Out live your life

I spent Friday evening with KR and LL and LL leaned over and whispered to me, "Out live your life." She said, "What does that mean toyou?" I have been thinking about this since then, not quite sure how to answer her. I am not really that sure I know, but I am going to take my best guess. I interpret that to mean that I need to live more, be more, give more than what life shows me. I extended the years I am on this earth by living more. My impact on others may live long past that, but right now I am here. I am here for a reason and my task is to outlive my life. To give it all I have, every day. To knock on doors that otherwise I might have walked right passed and to open up people's minds to something new, to see that there is hope. When others can take even baby steps to make their lives different, that is how they start to outlive their lives. Why do we wait so long to start living? I am not just asking you, as I was not living for the majority of my life. Then, something unexplained happened to me. I opened my heart and soul to the thought of living. I told complete strangers that I saw their potential and watch it grow into what I see before me. I received a text today from KD today about an opportunity that she has on Monday. She is trying to get an opportunity to shine and I know once she walks in that door, she will show everyone exactly what she can do. Believe, girl!! Show your MOXIE. As I was reflecting today about all of the little episodes that have occured in my past that have tried to give me glimpses of what I should be doing, I have to laugh. I did not realize what it meant at the time. Little things like giving a retirement speech in front of 300 people...talking after a meeting, surrounded by 10 ladies who are there to just listen...volunteering to teach the Junior Achievement Program. The signs were all there. I wasn't ready to see them or did not put them together. The G.I.F.T. ladies received a list of questions about how they find their dream and what they are passionate about last month. I might not have wasted so much time had I discovered those questions some years ago. Looking back, I have discovered my true passions...I love to talk - no comments from those that know me personally - I love to work with youth - I love to see women grow and live the promise they are meant to live - I love to write. Make your life mean something to others. Impose such an impact that it would be impossible for anyone not to remember you. I once questioned that of someone - if she would remember me. I have NO DOUBT that she will. UNCONDITIONALLY. Forever. Out live what you think you supposed to do...your life is meant to be shared with others. Don't just live your life...out live it.

It's happening....

and I don't even know it. I do, but never in the ways that I would have planned it. That is when I remind myself that I can't plan it. Even if I try t, it will not work out the way it actually does. We all know that. Last night, I went to a concert with LL and KR and had a blast. It was a spur of the moment - decide right now - kind of thing and I said, "yes". Sorry, KR is I talked your ear off, but was thinking today about after the concert when we were partaking in those wonderful appertizers and how we had our own little "G.I.F.T." meeting without really intending to, but it just happened. I could see the wheels turning and am so excited about seeing on on the 25th. It can be more...we have this one life to live and we want to do it well, with no regrets. Before that, I had some crazy ideas so what do I do? I call Rock. After all, she is my Rock. But she is ok with that - she likes the "title" and the responsibilites that comes with it. Even though I KNOW what she is going to say, I still have to hear her say it. I need her and others to gently push me into pursuing new ideas and then it makes it less scary. When you have nothing to lose, then "Why not?" More to come later, but know that the wheels are turning here, too.

Rollercoaster ride

Ok, since we are on this rollercoaster of life, how are you on this ride? For a long time, I held onto the bar with both hands, with my knuckles turning white when situations or people caused stress and disappointments. The more I held on, the more I didn't feel the joy of the ride - I was too busy being afraid and hoped (ok, maybe prayed) that this ride would soon be over. That didn't happen, but I did not know what else to do. I never allowed myself the exhileration that came from the excitement of the ride itself. It seemed like every time I tried to let go of the bar holding me safe and put one arm above my head, I wouldn't give myself permission to smile or have fun. I was all business. Little moments...yes, tiny itty bitty moments would come and go, but I would dismis them, never relishing them and keeping them for very long. And who hasn't gotten sick or felt sick while they are on the ride itself? Where you just want to lean outside your car, and let the butterflies go, so to speak. When you don't live to take chances, then what do you live for? Then, at some point, you start putting your hands up above your head for those things and start to really "love the ride". It is not that you don't think about holding on to that bar, but putting your hands up feels all right too. You start to comprehend that you will not fall out, but the pure adrenaline starts to overcome any fear you may also be feeling at that same moment. We all have moments like these...where we have to be careful; are tempted to hold and let go at the very same time; let go and maybe also are going to be sick; or just roll with it and let what comes your way be your blessing. Life is a rollercoaster ride...you have the ticket...sit down...lock the bar down across your waist...and put your arms up. WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

I LOVE my life!

I know that seems like a given, but I am not sure I could've said it a few years ago and really meant it. Sure, there are things that don't go my way or I wish were different, but I love where I am and where I see myself going. I have NEVER been so confident about things that are happening and just are than I am right now. NEVER. Maybe it was because I just showed up when life showed up, and that is all I thought it ever took. Truth is, you get what you put into it. I didn't put very much into it before and I saw the results. It frustrates me now as I look back on it and I could carry a ton of regrets. But that gets me no where and keeps me there. I was never sure of what "I brought to the table" so I wasn't going to be sharing that with too many people. Ok...maybe no one. I had a lot of walls up. Did I say a lot? Ok, just checking. Even my family has never seen me like this until now. I kept it hidden from the people that mean the most to me, until some time in January 2010 when something happened. I began to WANT to live my life and share it with everyone. And not just want to live my life but decide how I lived it. Then, something completely unexpected changed my life forever. Someone new came into my life and I had to trust her - like I had NEVER trusted anyone before. Boy, was I afraid. Lots of times. And she knew it. Slowly, I put the walls down and, little by little, shared with her who I am. The simple, unconditional gesture of her givng me her heart encouraged me to entrust her with mine. I have more people that truly care about me because I have allowed them to care than I ever did before. It has not always been easy, because I never thought anyone did. I never did that before. My life is crazy at times with work, family, schedules, bills to pay, friends, and this as well. But I have never been more grounded than I am right now. There are days when I want to throw in the towel because I think it is too much. But nothing makes me more focused than when I have lots to do and not any more than the 24 hours that we have to do it in. I guess I had better find time to sleep in there, too. Let me ask you something...do you LOVE your life? What do what to change in it? Maybe everything is going really GROOVY right now, and you're not sure how it can be any better. Guess what? It can ALWAYS be better!! I wish there was a "shaking head in disbelief" way to tell you that I couldn't pick to be here, but I have to be here. This is part of my journey. And I have to say, I LOVE it. It is not perfect. It brings much more joy than I ever could've imagined and continues to amaze me. Every day is not the same as the previous one and yet I have learned to treasure each one as they go by way so fast. If you are one of those that said you don't love your life, what are you doing to do to change it? You too can love your life but you have to have the right attitude and then put forth the effort. It will not just happen. It is a choice you make. So...what are you going to do? Live your life and love it or sit on the porch and watch it go by? "You will never change your life until you change your choices." I have made my decision. Now is the time for you...CHOOSE!!

Life is in front of you - Run at it!

No, this is not a request for physical exercise, but it is exercise for your soul and you CANNOT ignore it any longer. The time is now. Remember....it starts today. Your heart is begging for attention and you dismiss what you get glimpses of because you have doubt. I look back at snapshots of my past and now realize that I was having my best moments when I always did what came naturally to me. I didn't have to think about it and those are still my best moments. Look at your past and identify what brings you joy...pure joy...it has been there and you know it. There is just about nothing else that brings me the most joy in watching others find their joy. Even joy for me does not equal the joy I see and feel from those that I love when they are "doing that thing they do". It is magical and heaven but it is all wrapped in someone that is with me and that makes it real. Life can be magical and heaven - but you have to go get it. It will not come to you. We get stuck in our daily routines and are on "auto-pilot" most days. Nothing surprising happens, and we don't MOVE towards our goals or even take time to dream about them. If you want something different, you have to do something different. You will see a transformation that will take your breath away and make other people say, "WOW!" when you walk by or give them a smile. You will feel like nothing could ever stop you. And once you are there, you will love it. But, you have to get there. Your life is here and now and you have everything you ever wanted to do in front of you. I spoke to BC last week and she told me that it was "too late for her" to follow her dream. I told her that the only time it is ever too late is when you are in the ground. Don't wait. It is there...right now. Can you see it? You want to. Can you feel it? You want to. I know it's hard and you are afraid. But you will find out exactly how strong you are the more you push yourself to do more. Be more. Feel more. Give more. Love more. Enjoy more. Live more. Life is here and now...no more running away. That is only a temporary reprive from everything you don't want. Begin running towards something that you love and are passionate about and you will amaze yourself. Afterwards, you will sit back and say, "I did that." You will learn what your heart and soul want you to finally listen to and do. RUN AT LIFE!! Have a GREAT day!

Stuck with no way out

Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing people that settle. They just accept what is in front of them, even if it is not what they truly want. Or they feel stuck - with no possible way out. There should be no "stuck" in someone's vocabulary and everyone should always feel that there is always something different to have. All it means when I see "The Rut" or the sense of hoplessness in someone is that it is easier to stay than to fight for something better, for something different. I cannot even fathom the amount of courage it takes a battered mother of small kids to leave with nothing to her name - not a suitcase with clothes in it for her kids; no paperwork to assist in getting help from agencies; not a photograph of the memories that will only live in her mind. NOTHING. I have seen this and it tore me up and still does. NO ONE IS STUCK - EVER. There are always choices to be made, even if they are hard ones. Even if you know it will get worse before it gets better. Don't settle for some life that makes you unhappy. Find a reason to laugh again...to love again...to be you again. Everyone is here once and again, but no one can live here. It is unproductive and self-sabotaging. You are going to have challenges and every challenge is meant to teach you something. Even if it is to find out what you are willing to accept vs. what you are willing to go after. One of the very first sayings I found when I started this trek along the road of life is "You will never change your life until you change your choices." Do you want to live another life? Even one that is unconventional in other's eyes? Where they just don't see what you are seeing? Who do you live your life for? How many of you said, "I live my life for me."? I am sure, not many. Why not? Even when we feel like there is no way out, that there is no one there to help me, make small changes to get "unstuck" and out of the rut. If this is you...then I ache for you. No one should live a life feeling like there is no way out. Believe me...I know someone who probably thought that for a long time. She could not see the light at the end of the tunnel...not even sure where that light was shining from or what direction it would take her. But I bet if you asked her, she would tell you that she no longer feels stuck and is actually making a new road to travel. "Live your life!" as Lucy tells Charlie Brown in a recent comic strip from the newspaper. Everytime you want to give up because it is hard and you are unsure, think about a woman leaving everything behind because leaving with nothing but her two kids because staying is worse. Being stuck is worse. Get out if you are unhappy. It starts with you. Always.

S.E.L.T.

Many, many thoughts come to me when I am out at 5am and as I sit here in a hotel room ready to go to a son's baseball game, I try to remember all (or maybe just a few)of those thoughts so I can share them with you. At an earlier game, I found myself telling the story of this journey to another parent. I apologized to her about having her hear maybe more than she wanted to, but she seemed appreciative and listened. Thanks, SM. Yesterday, I was thinking about S.E.L.T. - These are the stages I have gone through in my life and think I am at L. wanting to get to T. S stands for "surviving". When I was younger, I was in survival mode, taking care of myself, doing what needed to get done. Stay out of other's way, and slide under the radar if I could. Just get, through. E stands for "existing" - where I was on auto-pilot and did what needed to be done. Follow the same rules everyone else created because that's the norm. Then, last year, I got to L - "living". I started living my life. I stopped thinking and started really being involved in my life, taking ownership of it and wanting more of it. I only have one life to live and I have to give it all I have - with no regrets. T stands for "thriving". Not to say I am not thriving now, but when my passion becomes my reality, then I will get to T. I will have come full circle and will have come from the less than desired childhood, to kind of just going through the motions, to finally surrending it all to everything I have and all that I am. I cannot got back to S. and E. I have to go forward and be better each day. As long as I am living my life the way it is meant to be lived, then the T will come. I still share my story, my journey, my dreams. One day, it will be different and I will keep doing what comes naturally to me and following my heart. I know I am probably repeating myself and rambling. Get to L - skip S and E if you can. Know that you can. You are meant to LIVE.

An Army of One

Do you know what you can do as an army of one? We show how strong we are when we are willing to stand alone. We know it may be temporary, but who hasn't had that experience when you are in a group of people and you know that no one, no one, wants to be the first one to say or do something. But isn't it amazing how many people will follow suit after someone else has broken the ice for them? It makes it easier to follow when someone else has already paved the way for you. "Conformity is only popular when it is the majority." Someone has to take the first step in order for there to be a second and so forth. I have no familiarity with the military, but I know what it means to go into battle. I know what it feels like when you think you are alone and no one will come to help or stand beside you. A brigade is a fleet of personnel that will assist you and that is what we are here to do for you. Right now, I feel like an Army of One. I question my strength, but never, ever do I question my committment to doing what my heart tells me to. I told a young lady last night that I was pursuing a new adventure and told her mom and they both were very excited about it. I will have some upcoming meetings that may take that new adventure to places I have never been. As much as I am nervous about this new journey, I have to try. I have to give it my everything. Are you willing to stick your neck out there and try something you always wanted to, but haven't? It begins with one dream, followed by the passion fueling that dream, then one question, and then one step closer to making that dream a reality. It starts with you...everyday...to change the world, if even your world. Sometimes people notice when you change, and other times they don't. But you notice. This started as an Army of One, but over the last 16 months has become something that has grown in ways I never imagined. Someone very dear to me gave me a book that she inscribed, "I hope 2011 brings you all you have ever dreamed of and more than you could ever imagine." So far, this year has been more than that and we are not even to June. Start your own army. Remember, It Starts Today.

Reflection

Happy Easter to those who celebrate this day. As I watch the sun come up to the east and I see shiny spots of glistening dew on the the blades of the grass in my front yard, I reflect on life. Today, we remember what sacrifices were made on our behalf and that gives us hope. Yesterday, Rocky and I spent another good day together. For a charitable cause, we walked 25 miles in about 6 hours. It was cold and windy at times, and then I remember when the sun came out...we lifted our heads as if we were drawn to the warmth on our faces and took it all in. We were "Team Moxie" and had three other members that went with us, but they were done at the 5-mile and 10-mile marks. But Rocky and I weren't going to quit - especially when we got to mile marker 22 (or so they told us!). We learned more about each other, sang along with our ipods, and saw some pretty interesting things. Even when we were dancing to a song we liked, we didn't even care who saw us...we are at that point in our lives. Pleasing others or doing what is expected is not what guides us now. We are taking care of us first and "those that matter don't mind." They are just along for the ride. We are living our dreams and pursuing them to the fullest, with no safety net below. We understand that we may fall, but we are going to change our lives, either way. Something that is passionately driven cannot be prevented from moving forward. As you reflect on what your life is like now and compare it where you want it to be, what changes are you willing to make to make it different? Have you been stuck in a rut or settling for something less than what you desire because that is easy or you are unsure of where to start? The hardest part is always finding the courage to ask the question...whichever one you want answered. You have to listen and be open to the answer, even if it is not the answer you think it will be. Your heart will tell you everything you will need to know and it will be constant. It will not change. It will create excitement when you talk about it, even when you don't realize it. Someone told me once that she could hear the passion in my voice as I shared an idea with her, and all I could hear were the words. She told me I needed to listen to the passion and moxie that was coming through to her over the phone. Reflection is "fixing your thoughts on something or careful consideration" and as you find peace today, think about where you are and where you want to be. Live your life to the fullest, with no regrets, and be happy. My favorite thing is to see the ones I love be happy and shine while they are doing their "thing". Take the chance to not only change your life, but the lives of those around you. You never know when what you do will change the lives of others. Trust me...I have seen it first hand and it is the greatest gift you can ever give someone. You will never regret that.

What to do...

I was hoping today I would get more answers to the questions I have, yet that was not to be. Now, I have even more questions. Every scenario is playing out in my head and not sure what decision, if any, needs to made at this time. Not even sure that this is the right time to make such a decision. When I was asked a couple of weeks ago what my decision was going to be if this presented itself, I made it very clear what my decision would be. Now that I could be at that exact point, I question. I have to dig deep...I have to trust my heart...like never before. I have to be willing to lay it all out there, never sure of what tomorrow brings. I visited with an old friend today at lunch and it was so good to catch up with her. The funny thing is that we have actually known each other for years, but never really did anything socially like going to lunch before. It was nice to see J and hear what was going on in her life and share what was new in mine. Later, I sent her a text telling that it was a great lunch and she told me that I make her smile...I told her that was easy. I like easy. I read recently that nothing makes you feel better than knowing that the smile someone gives to you is probably a result of you giving them one (or something like that). I know that the answers are there for me...if I let them appear. But I have to be willing to accept them for what they are, even if I am afraid. It is hard to let go and wonder. I asked for signs all day today, hoping that the answers would come. So far, I have not seen any, but will definetely keep my eyes and ears open. Maybe they will come tomorrow when I run. Sometimes, that doesn't help - I end up with more questions. I have to have faith and believe in something not yet secure or definite. That can be hard to do. I have to believe it in order for others to believe in it. Wish me luck...stay tuned for more later. Have a wonderful evening.

Thinking about what I am doing

Today started like any other day. I got up to go run and only after I was dressed and heading out the door did I look at the current temperature that said it was 13 degrees with a wind chill of less than 0. Too cold for this runner. I went back to bed. Within an hour of my day at work, a co-worker comes in to my office and asks for two minutes of advice. She seemed rather perplexed so I gave her my full attention (and probably more than 2 minutes). She asks me how she can stay motivated when her running routine (preparing for a half-marathon) has had some "wrinkles" in it and she is thinking that she will not be prepared for it. She tells me she very methodically looks at the regimine and where she should be and does not feel that she is there. I tell her two things - one, she needs to stop thinking so much as she has become preoccupied with her goal of not walking at all and two, she needs to forgive herself. We chat a little bit longer and I give her a hug and send her on her way. A little bit later, she sends me an email asking me if since that kid lost his self control a couple of weeks ago, if I had thought twice about what I was doing. I first told her that my answer might have been different if I had gotten hurt, but also acknowledged that we take chances and that I was not going to live my life in fear of the unknown. I had done more living in the last year with trying new things, conquering fears long buried, and being hurt by a dear friend. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I was inquisitive, so I asked her what she meant. She mentions that perhaps I should give advice to others and get paid for it. She jokenly tells me to send her the bill. What do you guys think? I am really trying to listen to my heart and let it guide me. For too long, my mind has been leading the way and it has not been fulfilling. Over the last year, my heart has led and I finally started living. I need to keep asking the questions...one day the answers will come.

"Living Life" by Bonnie L. Mohr

I was doing some shopping today and came across a picture with a saying that I just had to buy. It seemed like the words were speaking directly to me, although I was not the only one in the store, nor was I alone in that aisle. I think I even looked around to see if anyone else saw it on the shelf. There were several rows of these frames and I had to take it home. It is already hung in a place where it welcomes our friends and family and it will catch their eye and they will read it. I hope you find these words as powerful as I did and encourage you to live your life.

Life is not a race - but indeed a journey. Be Honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you", "I love you", and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental - search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself - plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment."


Wow. So many words that seem so relevant to me alone, yet I am sure that that cannot be true. Hopefully, this resonates with some of you as well, regardless of what is going on in your life. As I have mentioned before, I believe that there are reasons for everything, and therefore everything has a reason. Even if we don't see the reason. There is a great plan in motion and I have learned that the more I think I am controlling it, the less I really participate in it. I was detached from living for such a long time and had let my lack of "feeling" be a way to keep me safe. There is a difference between unfeeling and uncaring - I care about a lot of things, but I really never let my heart speak for me. I always let "the logical choice" rule and never saw anything wrong with that option. Until I took more chances, even when I was fearful beyond belief, and really started living. I am extremly grateful for this new opportunity and will not toss it aside, as I have done for so long. My Life Statement is a reminder of everything I have longed for and been afraid to seek. I am living my life - as I only get one chance to live it. Live yours!

Your Everything, part 2

I had some time to think yesterday as I was driving to visit my college son yesterday and I was thinking about this posting the other day. I had just spoken to a very good friend and I admitted that I have not given this one chance at life my everything. Then, I thought about that more. I have learned that I have to forgive myself as much, if not more, than I forgive others for shortcomings. You may have the same thoughts I do - you have not given your life your everything. Then, I asked the question, "Did I give it everything I could AT THE TIME?" Was I capable of more, but didn't give it? I do not know if I will ever know the answer to that question. When I first started running, I was out of shape, overweight, and a little groggy (at 5am) and could not run 100 yards without hoping the oxygen machine was at the end of that run. Did I give it my everything (whatever that consisted of at the time) when I first started running with Rocky? Yes, I did. That was my reality. Now, I have more to give, therefore I have to give more - everything I currently have. Being able to look back and wish we could change things is a great wish, but something that we can never do. We didn't have then what we have now so our "everything" is different. If you live your life to the fullest, with what you currently have with your whole heart, then you can say you have given your everything. I am willing to push myself to be better than I was the day before - the fire inside is that strong and it will never diminish. My motivation is not something that I have felt in a long time and the passion is there forever. Whatever you have, whatever you are going through in life - give your life your everything. The best part is that the more you strive for more, you achieve more, you grow more, you are changed and because of that your everything changes every day. Give your everything everyday. You will not be sorry you did.

Don't live your life by the status quo

Are you in a rut? Where you just feel like you do the same old thing, and nothing ever changes? Even once you admit that you are in a rut, do you know how to get out of it? I have decided that the way it's always been is no longer good enough. I have mentioned to a few of you that this year is the year of "yes". What I mean is that I have been willing to say "yes" to more things this year than I have in a long time. I am trying new things and living outside the shell that I had created around me. Inside the shell, I could not get hurt, but I also could not experience life either. Take chances and be happy that you took them; not that you failed or that it didn't turn out the way you thought it would. I have mentioned previously that I have been getting up (before the crack of dawn) to jog about 4-5 times a week, sometimes with a very great friend. People have told me that they don't run...well, I never considered myself a runner. I would never put "Michelle" and "runner" in the same sentence, unless it was, "Michelle ran over a runner with her car." (I would never do that!) But I run and I feel so much better afterwards. I started slow and could not even run 2 blocks without getting out of breath. It was pretty sad. But my running partner kept encouraging me with her "just 10 more steps" (which by the way, really doesn't mean 10 more steps - it's more like 40, so I don't know where she learned to count). Now, I am jogging about 12 miles a week, sometimes more. It is what I do now to start my day and I really get upset when I cannot run at 5am. I know...it sounds messed up. I have lost 10 pounds since we started in April. In mid-May, my mind set changed dramatically. Part of it was watching a young man who was born with no limbs below his elbows and knees who was training for a triathalon. I could no longer make excuses. I yearned for something different in my life and I was determined to persevere. Running became that release and has allowed me to be more free than ever before. I have gone outside my comfort zone and continue to challenge myself and make that comfort zone bigger each day. Regardless out the outcome, continue to push yourselves to do more today than you did yesterday. I promise you will be so happy that you did. Just tell yourself - 10 more steps! Have an awesome day!