Showing Up for Life…

This time of year can be so very difficult for many people everywhere who are in the middle of rockin' their singleness. It seems like every sappy movie on TV is about love and finding the one. It can be difficult to cope and manage when you know that your time has not arrived yet. I know that guys struggle with this just as much as women, but do not vocalize it in the same way. I have found a new way of managing this year, I have bought myself a valentine present, three new shirts at NY and Co. I have chosen that my happiness is not dependent upon what I cannot control. I cannot control the fact that I am still single. I can control how I choose to react to my situation…pouring love and blessings upon others who are in a similar boat. This past week was spent dealing with Parent Teacher Conferences, weight management from not being able to get to the gym and coping with late meetings each night due to Masters work and just…work. This week will be the same, as well as the next. Meeting, Meeting, Meeting. I cannot control the fact that I have meetings, but I can choose to be positive, remain in good spirits (act the way you want to feel) and be myself.

On a more positive note, I got to see Jenna and Laura this past week. Both girls drove in from Wichita for the Bridal Expo here in town for Laura's upcoming wedding. I was able to see both girls on Saturday and see Laura's dress, invitations, hear about the planning and see her fabulous smile. Jenna was a delight to have time with too. I always get recharged when I have the opportunity to see my "sisters". There is something about the people who you went to college with, who knew you best and still love you dearly to make you realize that half of life is "showing up" as Gretchen Rubin would say. Taking the time for other people and relationships because you cannot keep what you do not bother to maintain. It made me think about all the ways that my happiness project is forcing me to look for ways to rebuild and continue my friendships that live away from me, but also around me. Often I find myself at…meeting, meeting, meeting, and rarely is that a friendship meeting, I was thrilled to be meeting with Laura and Jenna for the day on Saturday. Truly, I know some wonderful women.

On taking the time to show up, I made the time to attend a swim meeting in Lawrence for a student of mine, Sophia. I have wanted to go and watch her swim all year and I was thrilled when a meet was announced in town which I was able to attend! She did not beat her time, but she did impress me very much. She talked about beating herself and the best thing about swimming was that she was not competing against other swimmers; she was looking to improve herself. What an inspiration! I was so happy to hear about how the goal setting I talk about in class is something which she looks at applying daily in her swimming and activities she wants to excel at! Another student of mine was also at the meet and I ran into her there as well. She did break one of her records and improved her score! I have the photos below.

Sophia and Myself.

Sophia, Myself and Kylie after the meet.

Finally, I "ran" my first 5k today. I am in LOVE with my Nike ipod running attachment. I simply set myself to distance and it tracked a 5k for me while letting me listen to music and updating me each time I hit a 1k, 2k, final 400 meters…etc. My first 5k time…11:05 per mile, total time of 34:21. To say that I was thrilled is minimal…I WAS ECSTATIC!!! Look out Save the Boobies…two weeks and I will see if I have improved my time! J Feel free to cheer me on in Lawrence on the 27^th! I am thinking about designing myself a t-shirt just because, to toot my own horn, but also to celebrate my accomplishment. I am thinking the front will say…"Everybody Needs One…" and the back…Super(role) Model. Thoughts?