Priorities Happen!

My Homestretch.

posted by Melissa Baumgart
I know, I know, so many books, magazine articles and "life coaches" have said this before.  Make yourself a PRIORITY!  I have found, and I admit there is likely an element of timing and fate at hand, but nonetheless when I make something that benefits me a priority, it happens.  I usually have to make some major commitment, like announcing to the world that I am doing Bikram yoga for 30 days straight, or like this month, running a mile every day.  But when I do that, it does happen.  The time seems to appear, even if it is squeezed between errands and meetings and kids (and leads to less sleep!).

When I don't do that, it doesn't. When I don't commit to yoga or running (or whatever you find to be your thing) by letting my family know my intention so they can help me and support me, I find that days go by where I didn't make it to the studio.  Everything seems to be stacking up against me, taking my time and making me to tired to go.  Those months where I don't make myself priority, I cannot fathom how I found the time to do so during other months.  It seems literally impossible.

What can you do for yourself every day?  It takes me at the most 15 minutes to get my running clothes and shoes on, stretch, run a mile, and cool off.  And even if I hate every minute of the run, I feel better for doing it.  (How weird is that?)  What will you do for yourself this month for 15 minutes a day?  You could run with us.  Or you could meditate.  Or you could draw.  Or take a bubble bath after your kids go to sleep.  Anything.

I did run today, but I did not time myself.  I can get a little obsessive about that kind of thing, so I thought it wise to take a day off from "beating my time."

I would be interested to see, with the intention to do something for yourself...something beneficial...how we all feel at the end of October.  Do you think it will make a difference?  Could it be that spark to ignite a light through the dark months to come?  (Hey, I live in Seattle, it starts getting dark at 4:30pm in the winter)  Or will everything be the same?

I am going to take the chance and see what happens.  What do I have to lose?

But what I don't want to do is make anyone who doesn't make the time, or just can't for any reason, feel bad.  I simply want to share my experience and hope to inspire at least one person along the way, OK, maybe two.  Three.  But really, be where you are.  It is such a tricky thing, to expect the best in yourself, and yet have compassion for those times that you aren't up to it.  I struggle with that regularly.

On that note; I am very, very happy to say that I have heard from at least three women and one husband, that they have also taken on the running one mile a day challenge!  You can do it!!!

-Melissa