A check-in with myself...I am alright!

My mind has been spinning non-stop lately.

What I WANT to do vs. what I NEED to do...
I have for a long time felt I had so many things I NEEDED to do!
I am a do'er...always have been.
Things have changed for me over the last few months: my mind set, my passion, my goals.
Two years ago I was all about the clock, all about the place, all about the competition -
now, not so much.
The funny thing is, I am not even sad about it, actually I am quite happy.
I really feel as though I am coming into my own - finding my VERY OWN spot, my own place where I can cozy up and just be me.
I have waited 42 years and I finally I am starting to feel comfortable in my own skin.
Things are different for everyone and it's okay that I don't do or want what others do - it took me quite a bit of time and some not so comfortable situations for me to realize this.
Not because anyone pressured me or held a proverbial gun to my head, my friends have always been supportive whether I was goal oriented or just lolly-gagging along, it's just because I didn't know any better.
I use to beat myself up if I had a bad run or missed a workout, now I realize that I am lucky to be able to workout and a rest day isn't always a bad thing.
I have learned that for me, I do better when I want to workout vs. feeling like I need to workout.
Races have completely changed for me - I ate some very humble pie awhile ago and realized I could go hard and be out soon, or I can enjoy each day and each race and maybe be out there until I am 90+ years old.
Don't get me wrong, goals are important...some of you might know I was fortunate enough to be part of the start of a running group for the local homeless. This was a blessing - I met people that had NEVER set a goal in their life and followed through with it, and I was part of their journey and watched them accomplish one for the first time. These people had nothing - we got them shoes, clothes and they brought the heart and desire. A 10 week commitment to train for a 10K, show up each week, train, on race day - run it and cross the finish line. It was a blessing in disguise. I am now the Assistant Executive Director of Keep It Movin' - a non profit for those who want to run but don't have the means or resources. We will be expanding out from just homeless shelters to under privileged kids and anyone who wants to run but can't afford clothes, shoes, coaching, etc.
So because of this journey, over the last few months I have decided a few things for me:
Wake up each day thankful I have a body that will carry me through doing what I love.
Remember those friends that are there for me, by my side no matter what, you know who you are - you are my rocks.
Be my best and enjoy every second of it.
I think those are simple goals, yet for me they speak volumes.

Run safe, run happy!
-dee