Here is a quote I came across in a recent Runner’s World article:
“The challenges we each encounter are uniquely ours, but they will come. We all have good years and bad. Shift happens”
Hmmm? Yep that one made me think. I agree with MOST of its sentiment, except sometimes I think we all face some similar challenges (that we may think are unique). It is certainly true that our challenges take on a unique “life” based on our past and current situations. But I am a strong believer that our challenges, and the ability to share them, are what connect us in this world.
Here is what is on my challenge list lately . . .
- Money concerns – how are we going to pay for daycare again? how much are baby gates going to cost? why am I spending so much at BJ’s?
- Listening to people’s advice but not letting it “get” to me- taking it for what is is, advice.
- Having confidence in WHERE I am.
- Celebrating the right things and letting go of the negative
- Learning how to stand up for myself- bullies (even ones disguised as co-workers) are still bullies
- Accepting that I am not the person I was . . . and that is a good thing.
- Allowing myself to set goals (and not being afraid to fail)
- Being kind to myself
- Learning how to be a mom AND a wife AND a runner AND a daughter AND a sister AND a friend- and forgiving myself if I can’t do ALL well ALL of the time.
I can’t be completely alone on these things, right?
To balance it out, here are the things I am doing well (I think) 
- Accepting love and guidance from my “girls” (as much as I am able to at the moment)
- Staying in tune and in touch with my needs as a person- a nap here, a book there
- Treasuring the joy of being a runner again
- Staying in the moment when I am spending time with little Miss P
- Remembering that other people’s lives are occurring- trying not to forget the little things that let them know I care.
And for the end of the quote . . .”Shift happens.” Well all I have to say is thank goodness. I wouldn’t be where I am today if “shift” or “shit” (lol) didn’t happen.
You think you have challenges Mommy? Try having to learn how to sit up on your own while acting like I enjoy wearing a pumpkin hat!
Words of wisdom not to mention a photo of my beautiful granddaughter too!!!
Awww. love the pumpkin hat!!! And look at those eyes! We don’t celebrate halloween over here which is sad cause it looks like another great excuse for cuteness!!!
No you are so NOT alone. I especially relate to being ALL those things ALL the time. Sometimes focusing on whats at hand means the other things slip momentarily… TRUE friends understand!
I know I am definitely not the same person I once was… the motivated, achievement driven traits do make a great person. BUT I think this new person that is forged out of love, compassion, patience and understanding that can only be experienced in the wonder of motherhood is WAY more impressive! Celebrate the new you she sounds wonderful and I hope one day to meet her!!!!
So glad you are enjoying your running
Haha, I love how you are always spending too much money at BJ’s.
That picture? Get out of here with the cuteness! Wish I could give Piper a big smooch.
And those bullies? Can I beat them up already?
I think it’s great that you not only focused on what you’re struggling with, but also on what you’re doing well.
And, the daycare thing? I’m asking myself that same question: how in the hells are we going to pay for it? Oy.