Go Ahead, Challenge Yourself!

Your post is just what the doctor ordered today. Thanks, T, I needed that.

When I was training for a half-marathon, the idea of 13 miles...overwhelming. But from my house to Peter Hoover Rd was a half-mile. So, when on my longer 8+ mile runs, I'd want to give up. So, I'd tell myself "You can quit after one more Peter Hoover." Sometimes I'd have to do that four or five times to finish a run. =) After knee surgery, I found myself half-way up the stairs in an office building and in so much pain, I wanted to sit down. Guess what? "One more Peter Hoover." Became 'One more stair'. Lying to myself? Challenging myself? Maybe a bit of both.

Thanks for this Therese. Everyday I get new reminders of things to work on.

Therese,

Thank you for some new ideas on how to get more out of my life! Peace to you and yours everyday!

Deb S

Thanks, this really spoke to me.
Son and I have just started Tae Kwon Do family classes.
Last week, second class, we broke a board with our hands.
OK so they are trying to keep our interest and renewals up, but hey.

This week it was choosing in our minds at the beginning of the class what to accomplish in class, and at the end, meditate on what we had done and what we wanted to do.

Focus, focus, focus.

Focus and 'self-discipline' , both very hard.. These are two things that most of us, (including myself on a daily basis struggle) with.. Thanks for an interesting article..Suzi Wren

Thanks, Blanche. I really appreciate you taking the time to post.

Swimming was the one thing that gave me focus and discipline as a little girl. It actually carried me through toxemia 30 years ago when
I used my underwater breathing techniques to focus during 13 1/2 hours of labor.
Thanks to your email, I will try today to employ my competitive swimming techniques to overcoming a sout of depression I've been battling for 3 years,almost 4.

You mention a very good way to discipline oneself. I, too, am an email "nut" and usually spend the entire day between writing and checking my email the minute it comes across. I will try to follow your suggestions and see where they lead me. Thanks so much.

thank you i was trying o find something to motivate me my husband bought me my dream car a vw beetle it's a stick and i am not getting it like i thought i should and i felt like selling but you inspired me to see the finish line and learn to drive my dream thank you again

WOW! What a message to inspire me forward through a very tough time in my life! I have many many lemons and am focusing intently on making lemonade with them despite the odds. That which is NOT in my control cannot control me and my future in the meantime! I have decided to take this opportunity to plunge into the vocation I have been contemplating for two years now....let me explain:

My employer gave me a terrible job review last week (3 months following a tremendous April job review- go figure...I have checked myself and this is simply a budget cut. I saw the budget issues company letter post-dated, left in the copier bin from the President just two weeks ago. Meant to disguise itself in mean-spirited personal blame for things which I didn't do, I was called on the carpet for things ranging from obtaining a correct address due to returned mail to taking the iniative by asking for IT to incorporate scanning into the company copier that has these features available. I was told that I tied operations by asking for this assistance from my manager in order to make my tasks more efficient.

This employee review has been my catalyst for taking the plunge and what a great time to do so. What a refreshing perspective on my life and where it will lead with the appropriate training, and in surrounding myself with like-minded individuals in the field I have chosen, what a therapeutic embodiment of work to engage in, way beyond my former career, which has been unfulfilling for years now.

To prepare myself for this venture, I researched over the past two years, all of the credentials required to make this a go in my career path, in my state and region, and in my community. I have researched the financial means to get there and am already approved and in process of completing the final paperwork. I have defined the location (a former business' building) that I have in mind for the business start-up in my neighborhood, so zoning is not an issue. I have the part time attendance option at school, so no child care will be required of me during my school attendance. The school I have chosen is fully accredited and very reputable in my home state and the region in which I live - nothing can become an obstacle unless one makes it so. Thank you for inspiring me further today!

I have come across a couple of confident people in my life and the one thing i find common among them is the WILL to DREAM and ACHIEVE. Most of us face 'phobia' in our lives, some frivolous and some srious. However, most of these are mental hurdles that we create as 'excuses' to not move out of our "comfort zone".
It really inspires to know that few bravehearts do challenge their limits to make a diffrence to themselves and others around.

I recently lost my job, I am having a really tuff time right now. As I have a disabled husband to care for, I am the bread winner of the family. I lost my job of my own doing I guess. Since raising my family, I was a stay at home mom, my blessing. I went out into the work force about 15yrs ago, I started low, and worked my way up to a great position, in the business world. Not on my own mind you I had help every step of the way. Well now here I am again at the bottom, I am not sure where to go from here. I have had a couple of interviews but, 1-I wasn['t qualified enough, 2- Was perfect but only part time no benefits, then there was 3- you know that 3 stricks and your out, well I am out. (over qualified for this one). So I need insperations like this story. Thank you

Thank you for writing about this bit of competition for yourself. This gave, no inspired me to do the same when I feel myself wanting that ice cream cone or bit of chocolate. I am going to be 50 this year and I wanted to loose at least 20 pounds before my birthday (September). Now, seeing your article, it has definitely helped and I think, no I know that I will be pushing myself to loose that weight. THANK YOU THANK YOU. You are an inspiration. Carol Carroll.

I don't know where to begin...The last 8 and almost 9 months have been a tremendous season of loss, grieving, working on rebuilding my life and much spiritual growth.

My daughter went to heaven...my other children and family disowned me...I am in a strange city with no friends...have not been able to fully find a church that is spirit filled, positive , bible based, and practical except one. It is too far time wise and too costly fuel wise.

I am seeking God's purpose for my life and with His help and making headway. He left me here for a reason...I truly want to fulfill the purpose He has for me.

I can only offer this advice from my experience these last months:

1) Stay focused on Jesus
2) Don't get distracted by the world
3) Never, ever, ever give up

I pray this prayer daily and sometimes more than once. Enjoy. Hope this helps:

"Father, put your desires in my heart, because I don't know anything. I only want to be in your perfect will in every area of my life, every day of my life." "Your will and not mine. I humbly and totally surrender my life and my will to you. Here I am Lord, wherever, whenever."

I am excited about all of the healing that has taken place and is still working. He is revealing His will for me almost daily. The bottom line for me...He loves me so very much...is in complete control of all of me...is healing me throughout. I came into this world alone and will go out alone...just me and Him. I experienced it with my daughter.

The best is yet to come! Blessings. My prayers are with you!=))