Inspired by the Impossible...

This time of the year is supposed to be a joyful time but for many, it's a time of hurt, pain, void, anger. Do you ever look at someone and think that they have EVERYTHING so how could life possibly get better for them when you don't have much? Are there times you just wish or dream to be someone else or to simply be in their shoes for a day? I remember growing up with high dreams of being a professional athlete (and...it's possible I still do at 34 years old - I often tell myself there's still Senior Olympics)! It is human nature to compare or reflect on things we don't have that stir our emotions away from having Joy.  Each day, I'm reminded of the blessings that fulfill my life. I have to admit, at times, it is so hard to focus on the good when you're so consumed with loss, stress, or even trying to plan your future. There are days I'm so frustrated with what I can't hear or dealing with constant technical difficulties. Or, when everything fe

On October 4 th , I had big shoes to fill. That is the role of my husband as a cheerleader (with a cowbell and signs), photographer, and biggest supporter! I nearly missed my husband’s glorious achievement and finish! I had many signs made including one for each person I was cheering to cross the finish. The signs were in the order I predicted each person to cross the line (2 friends and my husband). Unfortunately, technology wasn’t working and tracking their progress, so I was guestimating based on what they typically run during training or simply based on what they told me. I missed our first friend and my girlfriend was rolling through a little quicker than she predicted (which didn’t surprise me). I snapped a great shot of her and proudly held her sign.   About 30 seconds later, I thought I see my husband. As he comes closer, I get more excited mainly because he looked amazing and was running through ~20 minutes faster than we both predicted! It was great weather for running b

simply keep trying until you can. Are there times you feel like things are not going your way no matter how hard you try? Maybe things are not going your way because you need to try a different way or find a new route. When you hit a road block, it’s not time to give up, it’s time to re-route or change. While racing my first triathlon with athletes that have various disabilities, all I saw was perseverance, determination, and LOTS of strengths and abilities. Most of them were in wheelchairs meaning they had little to no movement in their lower extremities or legs. This means they do EVERYTHING with their upper body especially when it comes to racing or being physically active. I’ve always seen them when I competed in triathlons and loudly cheered them on, but competing with them as a shadow, following their every move…was a whole new eye-opening experience. They were beyond inspirational! The team getting ready... The swim (athlete #1) I was introduced to a lively and spir

It’s spring time!   For some that means gardening season while others it means…RACE time! Not only does nature give birth to beautiful, colorful blossoms and lush greenery but it’s also a time that athletes come out of hibernation, out of the darkness – particularly runners and triathletes. Behind every athlete is an inspiring story. A story, much like nature that blooms into bright, beautiful colors.   When spring blossoms, some plants go through trial and error taking a few seasons before they can mature and grow into a masterpiece for your yard.   Athletes mature over seasons. Training and racing is not something that comes easy for anyone in fact, we have our trial and errors as well.   As I revisited Ironman Louisville last August, this time to watch my girlfriends finish their first, it was an emotional but beautiful day.   Being on the other side is a whole new level for an athlete.   We can understand the roller coaster ride and the challenges to achieve big goals.   I’v