Rolling with the Punches

…is often easier said than done.

Life has hit me moderately hard in the past two weeks. Sickness ranging from the stomach flu to a head cold, stress and frustration at my day job, financial struggles and a major setback (once again) with getting this cookbook out the door.

I want to complain. I want to cry. I want to fly away to some place that has a sandy beach and forget about life for a little while.

But none of these really helps any of my problems. None of them bring me closer to resolution.

So what to do? Well, for one I went for a run. Literally running away from things for a bit so I could then return refreshed and ready to deal once more.

Rolling with the punches. Rolling with the ever-changing tide that is life for all of us. The ups, downs and everything in between.

I might be a ship bobbing at sea and while I can’t calm the waters or change the weather, I certainly refuse to let the tide be the only thing that determines my course. Last time I checked, I still have a rudder to help guide me.

My mom is in a rowing class back in Seattle (Everett to be exact) and when I got to ride with their coach during one of the practices, she talked about the importance of keeping the boat in balance. That all the oars needed to hit the water at once, striking in unison. One person can throw the whole boat out of alignment.

And she had a mantra for them to think while rowing. Beauty, grace, strength. In every row. Beauty, grace, strength. To keep the team together.

This is what it takes in life though, isn’t it? Beauty, grace, strength.

How do you overcome setbacks and frustrations?

***
Turkey Trotters I hope you all received my late night email with the check in and goals for this week. A quick recap of what we’re talking about:

1. Running naked or with a Garmin, phone, etc – what do you prefer?
2. Report back on last week’s accomplishments and at least one thing that you are proud of.
3. What your goal is for race day?
4. What your overall mileage goal is for this week.
5. And, finally, what your goal is for Saturday’s run?

So much to talk about and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.