From Failure to Overcoming the Nevers

If we aren’t failing, then we aren’t doing anything interesting.

Expect failure. Better yet, embrace failure.

~Kristine Lamb

Today, I read the above words from a fellow blogger, Kristine Lamb…and they gave me courage to hop on this blog and write something…anything…to get over the fear of failing. You see, I look at my last post update, and I get so disappointed in my lack of discipline in posting on a more regular schedule. Kristine talks more about discipline and fear post today called “Unlocking Your Great Future—5 Keys to Writing Success.”

Since I last posted, I have had many blog posts written in my mind, but time didn’t permit me to sit long enough to share the words and stories…

From creating simple memories like watering my flowers with my 3 year old grandson, while family and friends enjoyed a game of croquet in our backyard to some grander memories like sharing an adventure with my two daughters, I have had an enjoyable summer.

However this past month, just being honest and sharing, I have been struggling. While I was busy creating memories, pain and fatigue crept back into my life. As, often happens, they bring their buddy fear with them. I keep telling them, I don’t have time for their visit—but I think they like me, as they just don’t want to leave. Except fear, that is…he stepped one foot into my mind and when I started reading God’s word to him—you should have seen him run. So, the last few weeks, I cleared my schedule—limiting my time to family and work, decreasing the intensity of my exercise schedule…and increasing my awareness of proper nutrition and sleep, hoping that pain and fatigue will discover they are NOT welcome here.

One good thing about taking the time to rest, I have had been able to spend a little more time reading. On Saturday, I was reading a blog post on Karen Ehman’s site. She introduced us to Teri Johnson. Teri is the President and Founder of Keeping It Personal (www.keepingitpersonal.com) a company that specializes in self-development training and discovering your life purpose and The Refine Conference for Women (www.therefineconference.com). (Conference is in Minneapolis, MN…so close, yet so far…definitely something on my “to do” list next year.) Teri is also the author of the newly released book, Overcoming the Nevers. I spent the last few days with Teri, her web site and her book. Even though I have only read the first three chapters of her book, the message Teri share’s is helping give me the tools to move forward…towards leading a life God has called me. I will share more as time and energy permits. If you are interested in a personal growth book—you definitely need to read this book.

Q. What new book have you discovered this summer?

Boot Camp Update

There is so much to share that it is hard to know where to start...so I think I will start with an update on the famous boot camp!  The first of May, my coworkers and I joined a twice a week boot camp.  I wonder if we knew our muscles would be screaming at us for days after our work out, would we have joined?  About three weeks into our adventure, I had had it!!  Boot camp is on Monday's and Friday's. 

Well, it was the 3rd Friday, I remember thinking some pretty naughty words about the things our instructor was asking us to do...yah, like right?  What do you think I am? A monkey who is on steroids? Okay...honestly...I was thinking..."You have got to be .....kidding me!"  My body hurt!  And I was very discouraged.  No matter how much effort I put out, I was still the last one done.  I was hot! I was sweaty!  It was gross!  Crawling to the locker room, I found myself saying...no more...I can't do it!! 

The following Monday, I was prepared to talk to the instructor and quit! 

Now, I really wrestled with quitting, as I, by nature, am NOT a quitter.  But, I didn't think I had it in me to continue with this abuse of my body. 

At the beginning of every boot camp we do a warm up.  Typically these warm ups are a mile run...did I mention we work out at noon? and the runs are outside? Uh, ha...it has been a very warm summer.  On our first boot camp warm up, I could barely make it 1 time around the building (1/4 mile)...Well, that Monday...I ran 4 times around the building...a MILE...without stopping! 

I could hardly believe it!  Although, I couldn't physically jump for joy...my body was too tired, inside...I was shouting and dancing around!  You see, when I was going through cancer treatment, I had set a goal--I wanted to run a mile without stopping...sometime!  To think...the day I was going to quit...was the day I achieved my goal!!  Needless, to say, I didn't quit boot camp.  Monday's and Friday's, you will find me sweaty, sore, and challenged, trying to keep up with my boot camp class mates!

Q. Care to share a goal you have reached this summer?

Just sharing!

Hi all...I apologize for my lack of new posts.  We have had a few fun interruptions to our daily life, which has left me little time to update.  But watch out--company leaves on Sunday and I have lots of new story's. 

Today I am excited to share with you that a dear friend has blessed me by having me do a guest blog post on her site. Thank you Susan--you bless my heart!  Check it out at I hope 4 Him.

Blessings on your weekend...until we meet again!