“It’s hard, but worth it”
I have a lot of time to think when I go for a run. This past weekend, I had HOURS to think as I ran my third marathon (that’s 26.2 miles, and that takes a handful of hours). And I always feel that the things and thoughts I experience when I run, translate to all things in life. Let me explain…
- Life IS a marathon, not a sprint. We are always on the go nowadays and sprinting off from one thing to the next. But life itself is a marathon. If we are lucky, we will have mile after mile to run and some miles will be easier than others. You can train and plan the best you can, but then life happens. Mother Nature can bring unexpected surprises or your leg can cramp up on mile 18. But when that happens you have to deal with it then and there and decide to make the best of the situation at hand. You can only control what you can control, so focus on that and take it one mile at a time.
- “There is a moment in every race. A moment when you can either quit, fold, or say to yourself, I can do this.” This quote was up on the big screen at mile 20…I had to take a picture. How true is this? YOU decide if you quit, fold or keep going. Believe in yourself, as you are much more capable than you sometimes think you are. It all starts with your mind…it’s powerful!
- It’s HARD! It’s so easy to see the post race celebratory photos and think, “wow they make it look so easy.” Guess what! It’s not! (Just check out the mid-race photos…guarantee it’s a much different facial expression!) It’s hard, REALLY hard. Lots of things in life are REALLY hard. But you know what I think, it’s the really hard stuff that makes you stronger and makes life that much more special and sacred. If it was all “sunshines and lollipops” you wouldn’t appreciate the struggle.
At Liberty Dance Center, we see our students struggle, as they should be! They aren’t going to get every new dance step on the first try. They are going to forget a move on stage. They are going to fall and have to decide if they get back up or walk off the dance floor for good. Those are the moments that can be life changing. However big or small they are, they add up and make us more resilient, more confident, more eager and willing to continue to push ourselves to grow.
It’s hard, but oh so worth it.
This month’s challenge is to get outside and walk or run every day. I challenge you to do, so and while out there, take that time to think and reflect!
~Miss Kate
