So last Thursday, I ran a 10K Turkey Trot. The weather was perfect, the route was good, the event was well-organized, the fall leaves were beautiful, my body felt strong, it was a great morning. In fact, it is the best I've felt in a race for a long time. I didn't have the urge to walk, my music was pumping, my legs felt strong, my lungs were cooperating and yet as I was looking at my shadow, here was my internal diatribe - my hips are too wide, my legs are too fat, I'm too heavy over & over. I had to pry my eyes away from my shadow to stop the self-abuse. Now, why would I do this? I know I should have gotten that degree in psychology - it would be so helpful!! Why would I be so mean to myself while doing something healthy on a day that is all about sitting around and eating?
We are our own worse critic, we will say things to ourselves that we would never say to someone else and we have to work hard to change our negative internal dialogue to the positive. It is not always easy and it takes a lot of practice. I still have a long way to go, but I am working at it. My new mantra - be kind to everyone, especially myself. Now, I'm off to go for a run in the rain because it makes me feel hardcore, tough, amazing and even a little bad ass!! I am grateful that my body and mind (it takes both) can run a 10K.
Nurture your spirit and I will too!
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