Run, Laugh, Eat, Repeat

Photo credit:  Running with Ollie.com  #IWILL Challenge Challenge courtesy of RunningwithOllie.com post. I've been nursing a pulled muscle in my back for over a week now.  Couldn't even bend over and touch my toes without being in pain.  Ice, heat, Advil, you know the drill.  Today was different.  Although I still feel tightness first thing in the morning, and if I sit still too long.  I was determined to run today. #IWILL Ran 3 miles today and was happy to this extra day to the weekend.  Finally the sun peaks it's head out this afternoon, and that means we've turned the corner. #IWILL

Dr. Phil questions to get you on track: Sometimes we need some good questions to get us unstuck ... see if they work for you! First Look: Dr. Phil on Being the Star of Your Own Life Oprah and Dr. Phil talk about how to play big and become the star in your own life by defining success, spotting obstacles and selecting the right tools to get what you want. Tune in Sunday, May 19, at 9/8c.

Today was a winning day for me.  I am closer to my goals than ever before.  As you may recall I set three goals for myself involving weight loss, successful professional accreditation and promotion.  I have officially lost 4.5 pounds since April 1st, and today passed another part of the designation making be exactly halfway complete! This is a huge accomplishment for me!  I've sacrificed and put the time in to set myself up to succeed.  Each step is not always forward, but I do keep moving. My husband said to me tonight after work (and finding out I passed another part).  "I really admire your determination to keep going.  I would have quit long ago.  But not you.  You didn't let it get you down." That truly means the world, not that he sees me as successfully passing, but that success has not come easily.  And I refused to be defined by it.  I am driven, determined and downright stubborn when it comes to going after ...

I realize my theme continues ... and aligns with my old favorite, "everything happens for a reason." I've been walking more than running these days, and studying for an exam for work.  All the while eating less and breathing more!  Taking to snuggle with my daughter and tell my husband that I'm grateful for what he does.  It feels good. So I add this post today mainly to remind myself that the world is this amazing place that is full of people who contribute to my journey.  Although sometimes I need to leave one or two at a rest stop along the way - the discovery of a new 'teacher' or personal champion makes my journey new and exciting again. Yes, everything I need will come to me at the perfect time.  It's trusting that time, and practicing patience where I find my greatest need!

And then it began again. A do-over.  Finding that I blaze the path, that I can call on my own resources and allies to provide guidance and support, encouragement and know-how.  Yes, I took steps to find new people to support my professional goals. There are times in one's life that it's time to move on.  From friends, relationships, jobs, patterns of behavior .. but you need to choose differently.  It doesn't have the same impact when someone chooses for you. I was explaining to my darling daughter the other day how she shouldn't follow a dare issued by someone else.  I wanted her to know SHE chooses, she makes good choices based on what her gut tells her, not what someone else dares her to do!  Support and guidance are one thing, but a schoolyard dare is not a path that needs to be blazed! Yes, I took a deep breath and let it go ......