Over the past two months, strike that, throughout all of my Ironman training, I’ve had a bevy of highs and lows. From achieving firsts in two new sports to almost quitting because of my knee, I was (and still am) athletic and emotional putty. I’ll also be the first to admit that I got whiny, pitied myself and there were even points that I thought my world was over.
How foolish I was.
Newsflash: SHIT HAPPENS!
It always has.
It always will.
But it’s like my dad always says, “It’s not what happens to you – it’s how you handle it.”
As I find myself lamenting my trivial woes, I also find myself thinking about some very important people in my life. From the serious health issues in my own family, to one of my friends recently discovering she has a brain tumor, I am in constant awe of how unwaveringly positive they are.
When I ask one of these people how they’re doing, they always say, “Couldn’t be better!” The other still giggles about Hello Kitty and is carrying on her life with the most astonishing optimism. It’s not only empowering, but refreshing. If these people who are actually faced with serious issues can handle what happens to them with such positivity, I have no excuse.
Think about what matters in your life. Really. Then go after it with feverish joy and positivity. If something doesn’t go as planned (mark my words: it won’t), this is your opportunity. Don’t wallow in your self-serving tears. Put on your big girl pants, handle it, learn something and most importantly, go and make something of it.
Every day I learn something new. Something new about training, about the type of athlete I am, about the kind of wife, sister, daughter, human I want to be. Every day I’m working to figure out how I’m going to leave my mark on the world while still trying to remember what’s really important in life.
Do I, do you, want to be the person who cries every time a bad hand is dealt?
No, sir.
Get after it. Fall down. Pick yourself back up. But don’t forget why you’re doing it along the way:
Couldn’t have said it any better <3
YES.
Ditto Aron. The power of positivity is pretty incredible, thanks for the reminder.
Nice reminder and a great perspective.
Great post. I’ve had similar “real life” reminders lately myself.
Heard the song that went to your wedding montage on the radio today…thought of how beautiful you two were on that day…your pouty by the side of the road faces can’t replace those images for me
Hi Page, thanks for this post. I’ve battled the wallowing self-pity over the last two weeks over a sports injury and work stress and this post knocked my brain off the stinky-thinking course and onto your “big girl pants” route. That last question of yours is so glaring in a good way. I don’t want to cry anymore over this latest bad hand that I’ve been dealt. Thanks for being frank and sharing your experience. It helped me tonight. Take care! –R.K.
Great thoughts!!!! Best picture ever!!! Where is this at??
you are f*ing amazing. thank you so much for that kick in the butt, it’s exactly what i needed.
Giggles?! I’d call it squealing with glee! ;o) haha thanks for thinking of me
Amen sister!
Just found your blog. This is a great post.
Great post, and props to you for doing Ironman training. As with anything in life, if something isn’t fun then it really isn’t worth doing (except for required things like your job). It seems like overall you have enjoyed ironman traning despite the trials and tribulations that it seems to bring. But if the training becomes totally not enjoyable, you could always stop. None of us are professional athletes. I know I’ll never do an ironman after reading your training! lol
And it seems like recently you turned a corner in your traning, after having injury trouble. I bet you’ll be fine from here on out.
I love your honesty about your anxieties/worries over training, etc, but also love your attitude towards all of this just being a part of our lives. Although it does matter in some extent, it is clear you know what really matters. Rooting for you!
Great post! Reminded me of Oh the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Suess… my favorite
Dr. Seuss… I should probably spell my fav kids’ author’s name right! Oops
Love this!! Thank you! Sometime I lose my big girl panties! I need to remember to take them with me everywhere
Very nice. Well said, Page.