To speak or not to speak...that is the question?

I work out most of the days during the week. I like spinning, circuit training with weights and TRX (a strap system that uses your body as the weight), bootcamp and RUNNING. The thing is, I oftentimes find myself saying "I'm not a runner, I am really, really slow." I am well aware that I am not the best athlete. I will break no records, nor will I ever place in any race that I am a part of. I will most definitely rank in the "well HOT DAMN she finished it" group.

I have heard a variety of comments about my slow running speed from:
1. You really needed to have been trained in running as a child to be able to have speed as an adult
2. I've seen you run, and I think I could run with you because you are slow
3. You have short legs, big boobs, lack fast twitch muscles, have a harder time because you are  muscular etc...

...and you know what, all of those have some semblence of validity...they do...I'm WOMAN enough to admit that...

BUT...here is what I have decided...

It's all in semantics. Being physically fit, overcoming any hurdle that is put in front of you, making a decision about how one wants to handle a situation...it's all in what we CHOOSE to say to ourselves.

I can continue to say to myself that I am not a runner, from the input I have received from others or from the beliefs I have chosen to think for myself...but the reality is...

I AM A RUNNER. Runner is defined as A PERSON WHO RUNS...now it can be in a specified way, like a FAST RUNNER, or a MARATHON RUNNER...or it can be in the way that I CHOOSE to interpret it...A PERSON WHO RUNS. I can listen to all the input around me, I can take it with an open mind to learn from those with the gift of speedy running, I can create goals for myself if I SO CHOOSE...but in the end...I AM A RUNNER because I get out and do it, and for no other reason.

Now, this same premise can be transferred to everyday life. Maya Angelou - in my young inquisitive years - caught my attention by stating that what she says in her home, what she teaches in her home is what she will present herself as in public. In the end, what she is saying is the WORDS that she uses in her own personal life and personal talk will be how she makes the decision to interpret and react to the greater world. In other words, one has the ultimate control over the words that they use to create the beliefs that they have.

Let's give an example. A person says something to you that just rubs you the wrong way. They may have misinterpreted your intent, or simply been on their own bandwagon to be heard. Every word they say is just making you madder and madder. Now...is it that person's fault that you are angry? IN THE END, I say IT IS NOT. It is OUR CHOICE to allow ourselves to become angry. We make the decisions about what emotions we are going to express. NOW, that does not mean that we control what emotions we feel. It means, we control what emotions we WILL PRESENT to the greater world. It is almost VULCAN like in nature (go ahead, I'll take the hits cause BABY I LOVE STAR TREK). The ability to not necessarily control our emotions, but understand that it is our choice to act on our emotions.

How we talk to ourselves is the KEY to understanding how we get over those impossible looking hurdles in life. How we look at the greater world...what type of attitude we choose to take as we look out will be how we see those around us. Do we look at the world with hope, and belief in the greater good? Do we look at the world as a place to fear? Do we look to others and blame them for what is, when all is said and done, our responsibility?

I understand that NOTHING is as simple as changing your glasses to the happy, rosy ones. I understand where mental health comes into play. Where medications are necessary to help alter the brain due to genetic anomalies or extenuating life circumstances. However, I truly believe that the mind is stronger than we give ourselves credit for. It could be, with those struggling with depression (for instance) that the mind MUST TELL ITSELF that one cannot survive unless they take their medication. That is mind over matter, just as much as me choosing my words to believe that I am a runner, regardless of what others think. OUR MINDS are capable of more that we give ourselves credit for. Our minds are stronger than our bodies by far. Our minds are amazing.

Many people will use their faith to give them strength of mind. Others are simply given the gift of a strong mind and can exercsie their incredible discipline with ease. Others must be trained to create a stronger, more engaged, more disciplined mind. However, I believe that our minds can create a positive,  peaceful, dynamic, and purposeful place for our psyche. As those ever hopeful Irish say "May the Road Rise to Meet you..." and may your mind overcome a challenge that you are facing today.