As I sit here typing these words out on my keyboard, I can feel my legs stiffening. It’s a good feeling. You may wonder if I’m crazy, and while that is probably up for debate in some circles, the fact remains, that what I’m feeling now is (to quote Martha Stewart), a good thing.
I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about challenging myself- about whether I really challenge myself to push the limits and live to my potential. Truth is, for many years I didn’t, but last year something ‘clicked’ with me and my life has been constantly changing since.
Even since that period, I’ve noticed that the things that were once challenges are now part of my everyday life, great things, yet I see that my potential goes beyond what I once thought was the maximum. Not just with diet and exercise, but with life in general.
I’ve noticed that many of us make decisions that are great for our lives for that moment, but as life changes, as we change and grow as individuals, those needs shift, and we need to reposition ourselves.
Spring has arrived, and I find myself headed in a new direction in my life- I don’t want to do what I know I can do, I want to rise up and meet the challenge of doing what challenges me, regardless of what that challenge is.
The only real failure- not trying at all. Being defeated before you ever begin- after all, if you are working towards something, however small and seemingly insignificant, then you are moving forward, making progress, and that’s what it’s all about.
This morning- Marcel and I had decided that if it was great weather today that we’d go walking in a nature reservation in the dunes. The area is mostly flat, to be dunes, but there is a particular dune that is quite the challenge. I’ve heard about it, and seen it once, and knew that it was the tallest of all the dunes- the one who offers the biggest challenge.
Marcel, Desere, Desere’s youngest, and I headed off this afternoon to walk and to stop along the two mile walk for a cup of coffee. I’d been saying that I wanted to run up that dune, and I don’t think anyone paid much attention to those words. Maybe they didn’t believe me, or maybe they didn’t really think much about it, but today when we were standing at the base of the dune, I looked at Desere’s youngest and asked if he was ready to run to the top. He said ok..
Off we went. Since I’ve never actually been up this dune, I didn’t know how steep it was, but it looked as though I could see the top. I jogged all the way up the hill, never stopping, never looking back, completely focused on getting to the top. When I reached the landing at the top, the trail continued further on to the other side, but right off to the side, was a steep set of stairs, that would ultimately lead me to the top of that hill.
I was already winded, but I knew that if I stopped there as my body was hoping I would, that I would not have pushed through and reached my goal, so I ran up the stairs. The last 5 or so, I started wondering if I could make those last few- my heart was pounding, I was panting like an overheated dog, but I was determined.
I made it. At the top, I stood for a moment (trying to catch my breath) and enjoying the view surrounding me. I did it!!
Afterwards, I ran down the steps to meet back up with Desere and Marcel who were waiting for K. and I to return.
From there we walked to the restaurant, had coffee and walked the mile back to the car. What a great feeling that IS- I’m proud of ME! I’d also worked out just before we’d picked Desere and K. up for the walk, so I definitely got my exercise in for today.
That’s what it’s all about- repositioning yourself, your thinking, and the way you challenge yourself. After all, anything is possible if we are willing to do the work to make it happen.
Yes indeed, this stiff feeling in my legs is a good one- yes it is.
My Gratitude List for March 21, 2009.
Today I’m Grateful For:
- Challenging myself and climbing that dune- Never giving up!
- A lunch invitation for this coming week from Desere.
- A beautiful blanket of white and purple flowers on the floor of the woods. Spring has sprung!
- New life
- Snail mail letters from friends