I’m so psyched and a bit nervous all at the same time–I’m participating in my very first 5K this week-end. Let me make it clear, I’m looking to complete, not compete. I won’t set any records for speed, but to finish is a huge deal for me. I’ve never been a runner, primarily because I didn’t think I could. I had a host of reasons/excuses: I didn’t have the right body type, I didn’t really like it, it was too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, I couldn’t do that.

Last year, I decided I could and would do this. I began to run and enjoyed it. Whether I’m good at it, whether I’m graceful out there–I neither know nor care. I know it’s a tremendous outlet for stress and it’s been a great source of empowerment. My neighborhood is filled with wicked hills. When I start, I know where and how far I’m going. I know the route and the hills involved. But, once I start to run, I don’t think past the hill in front of me. All I have to do is get up that hill. I’m not stopping once I reach the top, but I get a break, a respite, until I’m facing that next hill. I never allow myself to think that I can’t do it–I just go for it, one hill at a time–that’s so less daunting than to think about the whole 3 miles.

It’s definitely carried over to my writing. Once scene at a time. Some days it’s one page at a time. *ggg* Actually, I carry it with me in many respects of my life. It’s become my mantra. I can do anything as long as I believe I can and tackle it one hill at a time.

What is it you’ve always wanted to do but thought you couldn’t? What part of yourself have you quietly curtailed? Believe in yourself. Know what you want, know where you want to go. And then go for it–you can get there, one hill at a time.

:satisfied: Jen