You Can Do Hard Things!

On Sunday, I had the privilege to run my 6th Houston Aramco Half Marathon.?It was the MOST glorious day for a run!? As I hit the streets in our spectacular city and took in all of the sights and sounds of the event, I found inspiration and was even challenged in some new ways in my two-hour journey through Houston.

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Gratitude

I spent most of 2023 recovering from the many training mistakes I made while preparing for a marathon in 2022.?Up until a few days earlier, I was not actually sure I could run it without another injury.?But with an intention (and some determination) to take it slow, I showed up Sunday morning cautiously optimistic I could make it to the finish line.?

I could literally feel the warmth and love from the volunteers and the crowds – it was truly remarkable and inspiring and fueled such a fun experience for me.?I took pictures along the way and high fived the crowds and took in every amazing detail – the music – the signs – the pets (gotta love all the sweet dogs along the course).?Elvis was on the course – there were bands – drummers – dancers – clubs – communities – families – so much joy on the streets of Houston!

I believe starting from a place of gratitude helped fuel what I needed on Sunday, which made me think about the power gratitude has to influence every area of my life.?There is research that supports a correlation between gratitude and happiness and even further research that gratitude builds trust among teams, improves communication, enhances job satisfaction, all creating a more positive and productive work environment.?

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Circle of Influence

I was touched by the families and communities who came out to support their runner!?Leaving early to find just the right spot, standing in the cold temperatures for hours to get a quick wave as the runner passes by.?What struck me most though, was how much fun they were having together – their joy was contagious!?All along the course, there were small groups together clapping and cheering and chanting and most seemed to be having one of the best days of their life!?

I couldn’t help but think about the impact the people we surround ourselves with have on us. ?Good or bad, our circle of influence can significantly impact our mindset, emotions and even our actions.?A popular quote by Jim Rohn states, “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”?We could argue against this and many have but the truth in the statement shines through, the people in our lives have a profound impact on who we are and what we do.?

I am reflecting on my small circle of influence and also pondering my impact on other’s lives. ?I am left with two questions, am I surrounded by the right people and am I pouring out the kind of goodness and inspiration that would make someone else’s life better?

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Hard Things

There were so many fun signs along the course – ’If Trump can run, so can you’ – I am not making a statement either way but it is kind of funny – ‘You came all this way for a banana’ – ‘You are almost there – not really’ – ‘You are beating everyone behind you’ and on and on – but my most favorite this year was ‘U Can Do Hard Things’ – what a statement and one worth sitting on a bit – I can do hard things! ?

I have to admit, there is a big part of me that doesn’t want the hard things – I want the easier path. My favorite meme for the New Year was one that said, ‘Me calling God to make sure I signed up for the blessed and highly favored package and not the trial and tribulations package for 2024’ – clearly, I am hoping for a smoother ride this year!?

Still, I know the better path is often the harder path. There is greater growth and more fulfillment through the process of doing hard things.?I came across this quote from Dave Kekich that I believe summarizes this well, “Life is easy when you live it the hard way…and hard when you live it the easy way.”

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I am challenged to live with greater gratitude, stay intentional about my circle of influence, inspire others and embrace the hard things!?I did make it to the finish line injury free and look forward to tackling the next challenge this year!

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