I have had this "title" in my drafts for over a week now, maybe two. Every time I open the page to write about it, I end up leaving it blank and closing it out. I enjoy blogging, but sometimes I feel passionate and inspired to write and other times I don't. I know I have something to say about this BOLD statement though because I keep coming back to it!
I overheard someone awhile back say, "it's your life, show up to it" and I loved that. Everyday we are given a choice. Wake up, light a fire, burn it bright, blow it out, repeat. Or we can wake up, go through the motions, be mediocre, and fall into bed. Which description do you prefer?
I have pondered this over and over in the past week or two. There are four specific subjects that come to mind, in no particular order:
Relationships - Oh boy right?!? That's a doozy! But hey, marriage, friendship, peers - those relationships take work. One cannot have expectations from another without also putting in the work, time, and making an effort. I have been so blessed in my life with family, friends and a loving husband, however, the times that feel the most amazing are the moments I put effort in without worrying what I am getting back. The crazy part is, lately for example I am cooking dinner every night (yes readers this is a big deal for me as my husbands schedule is unpredictable) and guess what?!? My husband has made more effort in his busy season to be home to eat them and multiple nights we have been enjoying family walks after. If you take peers, I am making a conscience effort to appreciate my co-workers for who they are, which can be hard, but in doing so I have thoroughly enjoyed people I never thought I would. I could obviously give an example in friendship, but you get the point. When we set aside the details of how or why, then we are left to see the reason doesn't matter, the result does! As hard as this can be, I challenge you to look at yourself first the next time you point the finger at someone you love.
Work - If I had a dollar lately for every time I've heard a co-worker complain or say "I'm over it" ... I swear to you I'd be rich! To keep the conversation real, I have to been in these shoes at times. However, lately I am choosing to handle my frustrations differently. I LOVE my job. I LOVE my patients. It is because of the interactions I have with them that I choose to show up to my job. A couple weeks ago I found myself in tears with an elder gentleman who traveled specifically to Mayo for answers and we bonded over the genuine care he felt he received and yes I am a complete sucker for my patients and we talked about all kinds of things while I took care of him. Next time you hate your job, or can't stand your co-worker or someone rubs you the wrong way -- take a step back and remember you can make a difference no matter what your career. If I never said a word to a patient or put a smile on my face I would not experience the moments I do that I cherish. Don't just go to work to pay the bills, show up with a purpose. Those are the people others remember. The server who went above and beyond, the customer service representative who listened, the cashier who cut your tags off so you could wear the item out, the medical professional who cried with you ... whatever your title, try a positive approach this week. Unhappiness is a choice, and believe me others can see it in you.
Lincoln (children) - May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness month as you all know by now. I have been posting daily, collecting photos, telling friends and passing out key chain ribbons representing the cause. However, as I advocate for a moment in time that affected us, overall I am challenged to look at my role as a mom. At occupational therapy yesterday, another mom and I were discussing busy lives and how the hustle and bustle leaves working families tired when they get off, rushing their children through dinner, setting them in front of TV or homework and there is little time for interaction that means anything. Believe me, I am not judging and I'm preaching to the choir on this one, but it challenged me to evaluate myself when it comes to Lincoln. It is the little things like swimming at night, picking rocks up on the way to the mailbox (drives me crazy because it is a block away shouldn't take 30 minutes ha ha), getting dirty from chalk after we just took a bath, stirring my eggs (everywhere) ... whatever it is that drives us parents crazy, is what they will remember! My mom (parent) played with me, my mom cooked with me, my mom lets me get the mail, takes me to the park, the list goes on and on. Again I repeat, Show Up To Your Life, we are not guaranteed a tomorrow.
Fitness - This subject is a big one! I sincerely love fitness. I also love food and wine. If I am being completely honest I have also loved excuses from time to time. While I am in what most would consider good shape, I am not in the best shape I could be or have ever been. Two and a half weeks ago my husband challenged me to an 8 week time period where we both would be committed. I briefly thought ya ya we've said that before but decided then and there I would SHOW UP to the challenge. You guys, I am loving the results. My husband is down, I am down and when 8 weeks are over I will share with you what I learned. The beauty is we still have gone to baseballs games, dinner, and boating with friends ... we aren't deprived, we are both feeling better, my husband is sleeping better, all because this time we made the choice. As I said in the beginning of this, everyday we have a choice. Only you can make it. If you are unhappy with your health, get off the couch, set small goals, walk the dog, show your child healthy habits, support your husband ... whatever drives you, do it!
I'd love to hear ways you "Show Up To Your Life". By challenging others, I am challenged and in those moments I grow!
Wake up, light a fire, burn it bright, blow it out, repeat!