This week I shared an embarrassing photo of myself on social media. I mean, it was embarrassing for me.
I was running on a treadmill – bouncing and sweating…
So what’s the big deal you may wonder…
Well, it was the first time in at least 3 years that I took a run.
I had do many excuses, and at times valid reasons to avoid all the bouncing and such.
(shout out to my curvy, ample bosomed women out there! Y’all know.)
So imagine my surprise when I stepped on to the treadmill the other day, started my warm up, and as I was starting to get my power walk vibe going…I felt this spark within me…and I just started running, well ok jogging but still!
And here’s what I remembered. In high school I was a track athlete. During that 4 years of year round training, we focused a lot on form. Practicing our form, the explosive energy, breathing and that mindset.
I ran the 400 meters, it is one part sprint and one part stamina.
This is not to say that I was running at 400 meter athlete pace yet…what I noticed was my body’s remembrance of form, of breathing, of mindset was all there.
I observed how my breathing paced itself, how my arms naturally had a type of practiced swing, my core was engaged and the part of my foot that I started to run on.
I did all this without thinking – somewhere within me, somewhere forgotten by me was the one who knew exactly what to do - my Inner Athlete and– she was simply waiting for some time and the right conditions to strut her stuff.
I noticed that taking a little chance on her, listening to the urge to “just run” flooded me with joy and delight.
In just that small moment I went from someone who doesn’t run to being in the practice of running.
The shift can happen, the story I’m telling myself…interrupted…just lilke that.
And so I posted a video! Why? Because I think we don’t share the little micr-growths we have along the way – and that to me where the joy of life resides. Running again a big deal to me. And one of my teachers, Rev Michael Beckwith taught me, “when you’re willing to be embarrassed, you’re willing to grow”
I am willing.
And I wanted to let you know I stuck my toe in the water of shedding old stories of changing and growing and it feels just fine.
Could there be something, even something small within you…Something you “used to do” or that you’ve always wanted to be. BUT….
Or maybe there’s been a life experience that has defined you and so you can’t ever….or won’t…
This week’s invitation: Be Willing to Grow & Change
It’s the season for it, you have elemental support in emerging from the dormant sleep of any potential, desire or thing you’d like to release.
If you have the courage to take a step towards it -Great! Go for it.
And it took me over 3 years to get to this moment – so if that’s you…what if you just named one of the stories of limitation you have going. Or expressed the thing you’ve always wanted to try but feel too…fill in the blank Just shining the light of attention on it or asking “what if” – is a step.
Consider me a confidante – and if you’d like, message me about it what you discover. There is deep medicine in being witnessed.
As always…
Let Love lead the way,
Angela