What's Stopping You?

All of us have dreams, but how many of us hide them under the rug because we think we can't accomplish them?  There are times we daydream upon them, but then that nasty, irritating voice creeps in and tells us otherwise.  Really, you think you can do that?  There's no way...and then every obstacle you can imagine pops into your head and fills you with a who do you think you are, stupid, mindset.  

I have dreams that I fear if I spoke them outloud, I would be laughed at or told they were impossible.  That says nothing about the people I surround myself with, and everything about my fears.  Why is it that we don't just step out and try??  Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of feeling dumb, fear of feeling laughed at, fear of being disappointed....  I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

What if we said enough is enough.  It really could be that simple.  What if we stopped overthinking and just did it.  What's the worst thing that can happen?  What if we really accomplished something or learned some strength deep within ourselves that we never knew about.  Wouldn't those things make it worth it?

I have wanted to run the Houston half marathon since I was in my early 20's.  I am knocking on 50's door and it will be opened in 2 weeks time.  I FINALLY ran the Houston half marathon on Janurary 16th of this year.  It truly was the best experience and accomplishment of my life.  I know that sounds so cliche, but it's the honest truth.  I think the ecstatic feelings come from a sense of great accomplishment.  I never thought I could do it.  I never thought I was a real runner.  Isn't that silly?  I compared myself to everyone else and convinced myself that I just didn't have it in me.

Running the half marathon has changed me.  It's made me see physical and mental strength that I never knew I had.  It's made me recognize that chasing a dream and grabbing it is so life giving and life changing.  I no longer want to sit and daydream, I want to grab hold of my dreams' coat tails and follow them until I am wearing the coat.  

I have more dreams that I have hidden under the rug because of a number of fears I attached to them.  No more.  I am lifting the rug and letting them free.  I am going to follow them and work to accomplish them.  It may be hard, but it is so worth it!  God gifts us with this one life.  Why not live fully and make those dreams a reality?!

A week ago, I ran the Hot Chocolate 15K race.  My dream of running races still has me on cloud nine, as you can tell from my medal gazing!

More on my next dream to come.  What dreams do you have?  Let go and chase them.  I promise you will have a high that you could never imagine possible!!

With love,

Marci