Again, life has presented many great lessons to me these past couple of weeks.
I am thankful that I have been able to see some of my own faults and insecurities and want to move forward. Sometimes the characteristics we don’t care for in others are the very things we need to change within ourselves. We do not have the power to change anyone around us…only ourselves. So the responsibility again is squarely on our own shoulders.
Pride has two sides. Reclaiming my life has meant that I finally feel pride in myself, and I feel even greater pride when I see friends around me meet their goals and move forward as well. It’s one of the greatest blessings that has come from this journey. Pride can also hold us back however. There are many goals that I haven’t met because of my pride. Because fear can attach itself to pride….fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of making choices that are out of my comfort zone.
You can’t move forward in life without taking risks and confronting your fears and insecurities. That means moving out of your comfort zone, which can be scary but so worth it. It really is simple, change can’t come about unless you make different choices, and react differently to circumstances. This is also true when working out. Your body adapts so quickly, and to continue to see growth and changes, you have to mix it up and introduce new exercises.
I have also recognized the areas in life that bring me both joy and empowerment, but also the areas that are holding me back. So I say cling like hell to the positive, and let go of the negative.
Running does not come easily to me. The other day I was running on the treadmill and had set a goal that I would run 30 minutes straight, especially because I didn’t want to…at all. I was very conscious of the many times my legs were screaming to stop and it was very uncomfortable. BUT I also realized after 30 minutes, that I had run the entire time with a huge smile on my face. I must have freaked out the people beside me, but I couldn’t help it! My cheeks were actually sore from smiling. It was so empowering to set out a goal, and give myself absolutely no permission to stop.
So here’s some thoughts for your Wednesday!
While there may be circumstances in your life that put road blocks in the way of your dreams, its a choice on your part how to react to those circumstances. Don’t blame your circumstances, you are more powerful than you know!
Give no power to the negative, always seek out the positive and that starts with YOU…your mind and heart.
Put your pride aside if it’s holding you back from moving forward and feel the good pride when you move forward. It takes great strength, courage, and character to look within and take action to go after your goals and dreams. Being vulnerable isn’t a weakness, it shows great courage and a willingness to grow.
Dream big and go after it! Continue to challenge yourself. Give your mind zero permission to quit when it gets too hard. The best rewards in life come from dedication and hard work. It’s not supposed to be easy!
Challenge both the mind and body, and great results will happen! Let your spirit shine, and soak it up. Loving the life you are living is so good! 🙂
Here’s a quote for you that I love!
There comes a time when you have to stand up and shout:
“This is me damn it! I look the way I look, think the way I think, feel the way I feel, love the way I love! I am a whole complex package. Take me… or leave me. Accept me – or walk away! Do not try to make me feel like less of a person, just because I don’t fit your idea of who I should be and don’t try to change me to fit your mold. If I need to change, I alone will make that decision.
When you are strong enough to love yourself 100%, good and bad – you will be amazed at the opportunities that life presents you.” Stacey Charter
Reclaiming LIFE 