Today, Little Miss Runner Pants wrote about how we talk about the goals but, so rarely, about the achievements. Yes, we talk the talk, but then we are silent when we walk the walk. She urges us all to brag.
Little Miss Runner Pants said, “BRAG!…let your own accomplishments be what drive you to go harder, faster, longer…and then when you’re done turn back around, roll up your sleeves, lace up your shoes, and get back out there and do whatever it is that you’ve been doing, that’s gotten you to where you are!!”
She has granted us bragging rights, so let’s play along.
I’ll go first.
Where do I start?
“Little Julie” used to be a very introverted, shy, private and insecure person. In reading through some of Tom’s journals, it is apparent that my insecurity was somewhat of an issue between the two of us in the early years of courtship. I am sure that he never dreamed that I would be reading what he wrote so many years ago. Nonetheless, I am no longer that same person.
As a working mother of very active children, I have become adept at managing impossible schedules. If there is a way to make it all happen, then I would make it happen. Correction, if there was a way AND if I *wanted* to make it happen, I would find the way. I have learned the skill of prioritization and finding balance in my life. I had, up until Tom’s passing, come to a point where I had all that I wanted. I had the husband, the children, the house, the career, and my hobbies. What more is there? Health. I have mine, the kids have theirs, and we thought that Tom had his.
I digress – back to the topic.
Somewhere along the line I became more outgoing, more self-assured, and more of myself. I am no longer afraid to have my own opinions. I have learned to not be afraid to make those opinions known if I feel that my opinion should be known. This led to a few disagreements, but I would remind Tom that this was something that he asked for. I also, however, learned to keep my opinions to myself when it didn’t matter.
In regards to my running hobby, I am most proud of the example that I have provided to my children. My children see me as someone who is not afraid to set a far-reaching goal and go after it. I don’t give up when I don’t reach my goal; I re-evaluate things and develop a new plan of attack. It is my hope that they will know that something worth dreaming is worth the effort. Life is a journey that we can endure or enjoy. It’s not always easy, but let’s try to enjoy it more (while we have it).
Now, it’s your turn. Yeah, YOU. Go ahead and write your bragging blog and comment to let me know that you did it.
I don’t know if that was bragging. Self-evaluation for sure. Maybe I equate bragging with boasting…
I think it is important to recognize how we’ve grown over the years, and the role our marriage and children have played in that growth. Children take you outside yourself, force you to look at the bigger picture, the greater world, to put another’s needs before your own. Marriage forces us to communicate, to forgive, to love and to see ourselves reflected in another’s eyes. How lucky that Tom wrote journals that you can read, and that you see the changes in yourself through his eyes. Very nice.
Bragging, boasting, it’s all good. Sometimes you need to sit on your laurels, and sometimes you got to shout out to the world, “I did it!!! Hear me roar!!”
“Life is a journey that we can endure or enjoy.”
I get knocked down, but I get up again. Forward progress is where its at :-)
Okay, perhaps backofpack is right. So…
Let me add that MY kids are good looking. I mean d@mn good looking. They are smart too (not that their grades would show).
On a running note, I’ve done a great job at persisting. I put in the hard work and, someday (hopefully at Chicago 2007), I’ll be rewarded with a BQ. I’m getting faster.
How’s that?
YAY bragging! thats awesome that you’re making it a priority to show your kids that not only should you HAVE dreams, but that you should do whatever you have to do to make them a reality.
AND you’re living by example, having an active lifestyle. if/when i have kids, that, too, will be so important for me to pass on.
well done you! and as for my bragging… ha. i’m the exception. i let everyone know anytime i’ve done something worth knowing about!!! i could probably stand to zip it every now and then!! ;)
ok, if i brag (like I don’t already everytime I walk three feet), do I get a free MASTHEAD THEN?!?!
:)
Well written, Juls. You really have come into your own. A look back at how we’ve grown, whatever form that takes, is never wasted.
I hope to start some bragging on Monday. Stay tuned.
I could go toe to toe with you about kids any day, though :-)
I absolutely love that picture … the smile is still the same! I love the person you have grown into … and the little people you are helping to “develop” in your children. As Tom said, it’s the relationships that matter.
OK, I will brag, I have this really awesome, fiesty “little sister”, whom I remember wasn’t so quiet and introverted that I could remember. She is one tough cookie that never gives up in what she believes in or let other people yank her chain. I love her for that!
Big Sis
Definitely self evolution. I think we all need to “toot our own horn” every now and then. If we don’t believe in ourselves, then who will? Great post!