" Most people never get there. They're afraid or unwilling to demand enough of themselves and take the easy road, the path of least resistance. But struggling and suffering, as I now saw it, were the essence of a life worth living. If you're not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not constantly demanding more from yourself-expanding and learning as you go-you're choosing a numb existence. You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip."
Dean Karnazes
I received an email from one of my best friends with this quote about an hour after I finished Ironman Wisconsin back in September. At that time, it brought tears to my eyes. It was obviously a very emotional day for me, but it was more than that. I had finally done something that I had to work HARD for, the training was beyond demanding...Ironman scared the crap out of me. I had days and weeks that I struggled to keep balance in my life, I suffered through grueling workouts, I was way out of my comfort zone...but I cannot put into words how much I learned about myself throughout the process.
I kept that email with this quote and have it saved both at home and at work to refer back to when I'm having a tough time. I stumbled across it this week, and it still has the same effect on me that it did the first time I read it. If I can do an Ironman, I can do anything. If I was able to get through all of the challenges last year handed me, I'm ready to take on new goals this year.
They are a little different than last year, I'm not doing an Ironman (although I'm thinking I will in 2013), but I am racing. Muncie 70.3 and the Chicago Marathon are my 2 big races so far. I still need to plan some races around those, I just haven't gotten that figured out yet.
I've also been talking about getting my Anusara Inspired Certification for a few years, I'm doing it this year. Studying Anusara has been a life shifting experience for me, and I want to share that with as many students as I can. It's truly the way I live my life, and I cannot wait to go to all of the workshops and classes I have planned for the year!
My last big goal of this year...USAT Level 1 Coaching Certification! Scared to death of this, but this is a huge desire of mine. I have to wait and see which one I can get in to, but I'm so excited! I'm not quite sure where I want to go with this once I have it, I'll figure that out down the road.
Looks like I have another busy year ahead which is just the way I like it!
What are you doing this year that scares you????
