I had to get a quick post in before going to meet up with a friend…I’m coming Miriam!
This morning, as I was walking the kiddies to school, I was talking to another Mom. She said she saw me running yesterday. She asked “So how long have you been a runner?” It took me off-guard and in my head I thought… “crap, she thinks I’m a runner.” I stammered out “oh, a couple of years I guess”. In the brief minute we talked, my mind was thinking “I’m not a runner. I can only run for a few minutes at a time. I’m totally winded most of my run. I run so slowly.” As she was walking away I added in parting… “I was totally winded the entire run”.
So, as I was thinking about it this morning. Why was I so quick to be down on myself? What makes someone a runner? Do you have to sign up for races to be a runner? Do you have to run fast to be a runner? It took me a looooong time to be able to run for a few minutes at a time.
I was the same way with my photography. It took me 5 years to tell someone that I was a photographer. I usually say “I take pictures on the side.”
I think the only way to continue on a course of moving forward, is to be really proud of who you are, and what you can do. If you allow your mind to tell you that you can’t do something, or that you have no business doing something…well, you probably won’t do it.
I’m a runner.
I’m a photographer.
Be proud of all your accomplishments. It takes time and work for your body to adapt to a new way of life. But, guess what?! Your body WILL adapt. Keep pushing, keep going, keep trying. Don’t give up. If you are winded and tired take a moment to catch your breath, then keep at it. The only way you will find out you can do it is by actually doing it.
Don’t give in to negative self-talk. It will keep you from moving forward.
Challenge yourself today, and be good to you!
Christine
Reclaiming LIFE 