When I started this venture - jogging and blogging - I had a LOT to lose (literally and figuratively). I put myself out there - and I mean all of my big, ugly, mess of a self - for others to see and watch and monitor. Thankfully, as I look back on the year, it is clear that what I lost in pounds was tremendous (as of today, I am down 25 pounds since I began running and 35 pounds down from my highest non-pregnant weight!), but what I gained has become much more important.
First came the confidence in myself. I set a goal and I achieved it in the time I allotted for training. I crossed my first ever 5K finish line as part of a fun run on a Friday and then completed a timed raced the following Monday. It was awesome! What became more incredible was the love affair I cultivated with the pavement. I didn't stop at the initial end goal. I let momentum carry me. I found myself attempting boot camp, weight lifting, ab and arm routines, and pull ups. My view of myself was changing as I saw all the things I could do, the amazing things my body could do. I completed five races and one fun run, for a total of six 5K's! My goal of one was clearly blown out of the water! I have a new perspective on my self image, on health, on priorities - all of which are a vast improvement on where I was in April.
This wasn't all centered around me, though. It was truly heart warming and motivating to see the number of followers and FaceBook "friends" who cheered me on, started to exercise, and/or step up their game, because of my journey to 5K and wellness. I said in a previous post that I assumed the worst - that people would simply judge me. What a happy surprise to find so much positivity and encouragement, as well as teammates in this movement of moving people. It's a beautiful thing when people come together, rallying for good things in other's lives. I'm so proud of the people I have in my life and to be able to call them friends and family. God has blessed me many times over!
In 2013, I plan to come back with more goals and a greater understanding of what is possible. Until then, I am staying focused on being fit, continuing to run, and also enjoying the holiday season (in moderation)!
That said, this year has brought a lot of division (the election), anixiety (fiscal cliff), and heartache (Hurricane Sandy and Sandy Hook Elementary Masacre). I encourage everyone I know to take the last week and a half of the year to cherish the loved ones in your life, to do something for someone in need, to smile and say hello, to do something unexpected and kind for a stranger, to remember the reason for the season! No matter your faith, your political point of view, your marital status, or whether you are a parent, something about how we have treated each other as a society has hurt your heart this year. Find a way to heal by doing a good deed. Not only will you restore someone else's faith, but you will restore your own. More importantly, do not stop. As a culture, it is time we re-learn what it means to be a good neighbor, to be a friend, and to believe in humanity. I found love in so many places this past year - a stranger giving me a giftcard at Nordstrom for no reason at all, caring about myself enough to take nurture the healthy body God gifted me, in my baby's first steps, and my eldest daughter's pride in learning the "hold position" in soccer...my list could go on and on. I hope we all find that by putting our energy into the positive, we will create more positivity in the world.
May God bless you, your family, and all those you love this Christmas. I wish you nothing but joy, peace, and kindness in the coming year. Cheers!
