Ladies and Gentlemen, Love Yourself

There have been days when I have had to convince myself to go for what would seem to many a 'meager walk'. Today, I rejoice in my body's ability to go for a bike ride and follow that immediately with a run of two big dogs.  Perhaps my body had the ability to repeat this type of training/torture?! sooner than now, but not without significant pain or, plausibly, incurring an abundance of mental hurdles.

Even today, as I drove home from work, I was tempted to skip the workout, eat ice cream, and watch some Netflix.  Who would know besides me?

I credit much of my recent successes {no matter how small!} to my growing knowledge and practice in the wellness coaching field. Every single day . . .EVERY day . . . one of my clients, patients, or fellow coaches inspires me in a way that has been encouraging me to challenge the limits I put on myself.  Blessed is she who finds and pursues her passion and calling. (Of course, blessed is he who does all of that, too!) My life becomes richer each day as I practice nuggets of ancient wisdom relating to self care.  My perspective broadens as I draw on the experiences and stories of clients to challenge myself in some way - be it to dust off blogger and write a long-overdue post, or take 5 minutes to sit in quiet and focus on breathing.

And goll darnit anyway, I am going to be competing in a long course triathlon.  I may very well be the only woman in the 'athena' class; I may be the last one to cross the finish line; I may have a lot of work to do on the form of all of the events :-)  But I am learning to be grateful for the body I have been given and I am not going to worry so much about what I look like in the wetsuit or how my legs compare to the other runners.

I am a TRIATHLETE.  And I am going to run (and swim and bike) and finish the race. Hebrews 12:1

A couple interesting pieces:
13 Ways French Women Treat Themselves Right

'Plus' Sized Model Made Peace with Her Body

View from Here

Already today, many reasons to be thankful.  

• Waking up rested was gratitude marker #1!  After a late night and very sore back, feeling physically ready for the day was a blessing immediately this morning!  
• Peaking out the window, glorious sunshine spread over the lush, fresh-cut green grass - YIPPEE!!  A beautiful day!!  
• Getting my [instant] coffee ready, I was thankful that I a) had this fun mug from Caribou gifted to me by a dear friend, b) instant Starbucks mocha coffee when I don't have a coffee maker, c) with a splash of delicious peppermint mocha creamer added delight to what was already proving to be a splendid start to the day.  
• Something felt funny and I looked to my wrist to see a wristband and reflected on yesterday's fantastic day of pizza, wine, and Wii games with a friend during the rainstorm and live, outdoor music with great company when the weather cleared.
• Here is a multifactorial blessing: a) sitting outside, b) in the morning sunshine, c) drinking my coffee and d) having some quiet time reading Scriptures,  I look down and e) my amazing/angelic/perfect/loyal dog is laying at my feet.  

My view - made me think of God's view when we come to sit quietly at His 'feet'.  

Gratitude is a practice that I want to continue to cultivate daily.  When I stop and take the time to look at what is around me right now, I cannot help but smile and feel my heart fill up.  

Thankfulness continues . . . 

• I registered my business with the State of MN today.   Dynamic Wellness, LLC:  'Integrating Healthy Practices for Mind, Body, and Spirit.'  I am thankful for the support of people in my life, past and present, for the encouragement and constructive criticism and ethical advice - as well as the role models that I am blessed to have.
• Calling my dad to wish him Happy Father's Day reminded me how much he has given to me and taught me.  I'm very thankful for my step-dad who been such an incredible blessing to my mom, sister, and me over the last 20 years.
• And then my mind goes to how much is provided for me every second of every day by the ultimate Father.  My mind cannot wrap around all of the goodness.

Those who read this blog and know me, personally, know that I experience life's ups-and-downs just like anyone else and sometimes struggle.  No person is without contextual tragedy.  What I want people to remember about me is that in the end, I choose to be happy; that I choose to see the good.  

Our perspectives create our worlds.  The same external 'happenings' will occur no matter how you respond; if you choose to look through a lens of gratitude, your experiences change dramatically.  

I choose to look with open eyes, a heart of gratitude, and a mind of discernment

And the view from here is pretty spectacular. 

Life Goes On

As the calendar year comes to an end, I find myself looking forward to many new adventures in the next 3, 6, and 12 months (and, of course, beyond).  

What a whirlwind of change 2012 has proven to be in this lady's life; for better or worse in the immediate sense, all things work together for good.  I have laughed hard, cried, trained, quit training, started training again, achieved goals, fallen short of goals, gotten angry, given forgiveness, taken lots of naps, gone for periods of time with too little sleep, been injured and healed, learned a lot, dated, winery-toured, snuggled my nephew, counseled friends, received support, frustrated many, confused a lot more, and still - here I am.  I am a child of God, a daughter, a sister, and a damn good friend.  Everything that has happened in my life, whether by my choice or by indirect consequence of my choice(s), I am remembering that a heart of gratitude and love not only feels best, a heart that full will bless others.

I am in great company and although many, many, many circumstances did not turn out as I anticipated, I am slowing down and taking a breath . . . counting to 10 . . . and moving forward.

Good health to you - be safe, and be well!