Two and a half weeks ago I registered for the Suntrust half marathon. I hadn't told that many of my friends, really, only three. I started to put up road blocks even before I registered. Could I really do it? Did I really want to? It was the last thing Mark was training for before he died, I'd have that as a back up excuse, people would believe I just couldn't do it, too emotional. I'd bought new shoes as a motivator and even those I'd had for a week. I'd kept telling myself there was "too much going on".
As it turns out, I've been reading this book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. I know I'm not a teen. I'm reading it as part of a summer reading project for Madison (it was suggested the parents read it, too). Before I even got to the chapter that started about"The Habits", it talked about having a Personal Bank Account, ways to make deposits and withdrawals within ourselves. On the list ways to make "deposits" were simple things like being honest, being kind, renew yourself, etc. and I have no problem doing those things. The one that got me was "Keep promises to yourself". Wow. Something that simple. Waking up everyday and setting out doing what you say you are going to do. It's such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and a great way to "make deposits into our personal bank accounts". Our commitments mean nothing if we can't even keep them to ourselves.
It made me think about all the other books I've read and how you have to make yourself a priority, take care of you. You are the only one who can make yourself happy, no one else. I can't think of a better way to start the day then starting off making a deposit into your personal bank account. Just doing what you said you were going to do. It could be as simple as waking up when you say or not hitting snooze more than twice, or going for a run!
So, on my 3 mile run this morning, I thought about my inspirations. I have people who inspire me to be greater and those people are people who are happy and follow through. They get up every morning and set out to accomplish exactly what they want to accomplish and in the process, they make deposits and become better people, happy people.
It may not have been a great run this morning but it was a start, I can only get better. And as I looked over at the shadow running next to me, I was reminded that that girl was strong and happy. She could do anything she wanted, even run 13.1 miles.
Be accountable to yourself, first. Don't be a victim. Take charge of your life. Be happy.
