#1: Not Settling for Settling

"There is no Passion to be found in playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."
-Nelson Mandela 

I realized I could not continue choosing to settle for less or playing small. In my life I have faced many challenges: some sought (like my Ironman races) and others forced upon me (like navigating the foster care system). So I am no stranger to the feeling of discomfort from leaving your comfort zone. If I could teach myself how to swim via Youtube ahead of my first Ironman, I could choose to start over at 48. 

So I decided.  And because of that, I find myself in transition, going back to the metaphorical drawing board. I am working to complete certifications to become a health and life coach (who specializes in trauma). I am also choosing to begin this blog in hopes of offering content that is real and raw and motivates others to transcend. 

While Mondays can sometimes feel like you're at the base of a mountain you're preparing to climb, I hope my weekly Monday morning posts can invigorate you to take another step intentionally towards that metaphorical mountain. From sharing stories of my past (some traumatic and others empowering) I hope to create fuel that helps you reflect on your own circumstances and inspires you to take action toward actualizing a fulfilling life.

If you feel stuck in one or more elements of your life, this is a space for you. I have found that my own feelings of being stuck are not unique to my own experience. In fact, many people feel trapped. We can make excuses for why we accept this, but we are only lying to ourselves to stay comfortable (staying with a job because of retirement benefits for example). I hope these posts help you see you are not alone. I hope they also motivate you to choose to unsettle yourself.

In a nutshell, I am settling in to being unsettled. As I embark on my 2022 journey I am invigorated (and a little scared) of what lies ahead. I am taking new coaching clients, will be completing the Texas Ironman, training for my first 100-mile trail  run, will be completing my challenge of 50 marathons in 50 states, completing new certification programs, and disrupting the 'stuck' I have felt for years. While my schedule feels packed and I feel stretched by these new pursuits, I also feel like I have more energy because of them. When the hobbies and work we choose are genuinely fulfilling, spending time on them actually fills our cup instead of pours from it. And when we align ourselves with what fills us, we can more easily recognize what drains us and choose accordingly. 

I will leave you today with a quote that feels appropriate as we begin this new year: "Where you are a year from now is a reflection of the choices you choose to make right now." The choices you make today, next week, and next month will impact where you are in 2023.  If you are feeling stuck, you must choose to lift your foot. If you are feeling fulfilled you must continue stepping in that direction. Start moving, I know I am. 

Until next Monday... 
#MotivationMonday #FosterKid2UltraAthlete #GratefulThankfulBlessed #IronmanAthlete

I am currently taking new coaching clients in the month of January. If you are interested in working with me contact me at [email protected]