the rest of my life will be the best of my life

Going back to my college cross country team made me think back on those days.  I wonder what my life had become if I knew some of the things then that I know now.  If I had the confidence, the insight that I have learned over the years.  But then I have to remember the people I have met on this road, that I would not have met if I had made different choices.  I might not have met the amazing people at College Hill UMC who taught me about love and the value of being with others.  Brook who I met at my first social work job who taught me to chill and have fun.  She always believed in me.  Friends Amy, Becky, Jennifer, Mary--all from Wichita.  They are still great friends, especially Jennifer and Mary who also live in KC now.  I have my church and the amazing trips to Mozambique--the trips that changed my whole life. My awesome girlfriends, Becca, Shari, Sarah and Joy.  I might not have joined the JM fan club and met people all over the country and seen concerts every where.   And Tim and his family, who showed me what family love is all about. 


So, I just have to think I was who I was and did the best I could with what I had at the time.  So I go forward and make the rest of my life the best of my life. 


Today I tried my new thinking of taking care of the small stuff every day.  My documentation is caught up at work, I ate what I took for lunch, at dinner at home, went on a walk/job with the dog, picked up stuff, and now am spending some time reflecting on life. 

balance

I went to my college coach's retirement last night.  Such a fun evening seeing old running mates and remembering the days of running cross country and track.  Coach Helmer talked as well and was inspiring as ever. 
It reminded me of such valuable lessons learned back then.  One that stands out to me the most is balance in life.  He didn't want us to just focus on running.  We needed to be successful in the classroom and have time with friends and family.  He also taught us that not every practice is race day, not every race is the Olympics, and an Olympic race is not judgement day.  We certainly had days when we practiced hard.  But those would be followed by days of running an easy pace to recover.  He said if we didn't we would end up injured. 


That same principal can be taken into anything in life.  Day in and day out of constantly driving yourself at work or at home will take it's toll eventually.  Rest days are needed too.  To rest our emotional and spiritual muscles.  We need to be able to just be, and enjoy the run, the company and friendship of those around us.