time to find myself

I went to a little craft store today and they had paperweights/silver stones with inspirational messages on them and I saw that they were 80% of the original price. I had to get some for myself. Tonight I can honestly say I had one of the most powerful experiences of my life. The afternoon evening started out with my friend and I setting the drink stops along the trail that our running group would later run.

My friend and I then began laying the trail and along the way we sidetracked from the original plan we had. This meaning we took the wrong trail. The wrong trail actually proved to be very incredible. The trail we took ran along a rapid flowing stream and the sound of the flowing water was absolutely amazing and the trail ended at the same place we had orignally set to end.  There was just one little flaw. At the top of the hill a really cute bag was left that I got for .29 it was also full of drinks. By taking the wrong trail that particular drink stop was completely missed.

I later this same evening went hiking back up the trail to retrieve the bag and the drinks. I took with me my ipod and I put it on low volume and did not put my headphones on which is usually what I do when running alone. I had my headlamp to be a safe hiker and I had my keys. On that hike with the full moon out and my small headlight shining the way for me and my soft music playing I found a peacefulness and a stillness I rarely take the chance to feel. Engraved on those little stones I bought today are two seperate statements. One saying rest a minute and the other saying take some time. The other two say shine and discover. I am trying to let my weaknesses go by the the wayside, let my strength shine through and discover all life is ready and willing to offer me.

I took some time to express the gratitude for the energy and strength I had to return up that hill as well as for the appreciation I gained for what an incredible place I live and just for the opportunity to continue to grow through humbling experiences and for all the opportunities that can be afforded to every single one of us through striving daily to be positive and seeking to rest a minute.

Time to see a different perspective

Today I was blessed to receive so much insight and realize it's time to see a perspective through someone else's eyes.

A friend of mine informed me about a fitness training facility he has gotten involved in. I saw this type of fitness training a number of years ago and was interested, but I pushed it to the way side thinking it was not something I could do.

My friend Emily and I went to the crossfit facility tonight. I had an amazing time. I even realized that my goal of being able to do one pull-up unassisted by the end of the year is completely accomplishable. I also drew the corrolation to how each of us have so many strengths inside of us just wanting and waiting to be found and challenged.

I love the words in the song by the band Kutless "What Faith Can Do." I think so often we get to thinking I can't when the reality is simply we can, but just don't know how or don't want to do what it is we think is impossible or difficult. Today I was shown how and I started to believe I can and that made a tremendous difference.

Time for new things

So it seems so many of us make new years resolutions. I heard in a study that was done only 46% of people who make new years resolutions actually follow through with them beyond the midpoint of the year.

I always like a challenge so I'm setting a goal to be in that 46th percentile that chooses not to quit. That chooses to push themselves often times greater than what they feel they can bare, but they do it anyway. There's my mantra sneaking up on me. Do a little a lot and do it anyway.

My resolution is to be a stronger, happier, kinder, healthier me in 6 months and then continue on after reaching my goal until years end.

My game plan: Have a support network
Accept accountability
Complete one competitive run monthly I almost have until June planned out
Utilize the gym at home
Utilize down time at work for stationary strength training
Drink water and plenty of it
Focus on staying positive and not self critical

I think my game plan looks like a really good guideline to my success.

I'm looking forward to all this new year has to offer.