Even when you do not feel good and going through tough times, just remember:
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Run for a Reason 2
In Nashville today, several of my fellow Heroes ran their first Marathon or 1/2, raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. I was unable to run with them again this year, however I was so proud of each and every one of them. To see why St.Jude’s holds a special place in my heart, you can see my blog from last year below:
All my life I have competed in one way or another. Swimming, dance, pageants, riding horses..the list goes on and on. In that time, I developed a since of competition with a purpose, knowing that win or loose, the efforts were still contributing to something bigger than yourself. Nothing held more true than the night of June 5, 2010 when my own idea became reality and hit home.
The final night of my National competition the phone rang and my worst nightmare came true. My little cousin, Aaron, had lost his battle with Leukiema and I was far away from home and far away from my family. However, I could not leave the competition. Not because I physically was unable, but because I made a promise to a little boy lying in bed at home that wanted nothing more than to come watch me compete at my big event that I would stay. Aaron told me the night before I left, “I am so proud of you and promise me whatever happens, you will finish. Win or loose, you will always be my queen. I love you.” The last words he would ever say to me before he died and big words at that. These words came from a child who had spent months at St. Jude’s fighting a Leukiema that was extremely aggressive and caused much pain, and knowing he barely had much time left. Regardless of what he felt, he found the strength everyday to put others before himself in every aspect of his life and his treatment.
Aaron was the child, growing up that loved unconditionally and without cause. When he spoke to you, he made you feel like you were his favorite. A gift that truly was unique and special.
During his illness he was more worried about his family being o.k and going through the process of treatments,traveling , and the education of his cancer, than he was for himself and what he would and did endure. He never wanted tears and he never wanted pain for all around him and spoke of that often. He wanted everyone to be happy and enjoy each day they had. A remarkable young boy with a huge heart filled with wisdom of love and kindness that normally takes a lifetime to obtain.
I truly believe, that with the help of St. Jude’s , that thousands of child’s lives will be saved because of Aaron. That they will find a cure to this rare and aggressive form of cancer normally found in adults, that has discovered its way into children.
Aaron taught me my own life lesson. A thought and moral standard my parents instilled in me for years. He brought it home, he lived it no matter how bad things got. If he can go through, numerous treatments, bone marrow transplants and tests and still put himself above others, then I can run 13.1 miles in his honor to help St. Jude’s come that much closer to finding a cure to save the lives of thousands.
Aaron did his part in contributing to this process, now lets do ours. Please donate for this worthy cause and support me in raising my monetary goal in Honor and Memory of Aaron. The boy who loved others the way they wanted to be loved, the one who put others before himself no matter what he endured and the one that saw his purpose in the big picture.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Deanna
Run for a Reason
In honor and celebration of St. Jude’s Marathon in Nashville this Saturday, I am posting this picture since I am unable to run this year.
St. Jude ‘s Hero program is an amazing way to give purpose and meaning to your runs. Along with providing funds to help fight childhood cancer. If you want to hear about my story and the reason for my run, I will be posting my story on Saturday as I cheer on my fellow Heroes during their race. Stay Tuned!!
Please Pardon the Dust
I am in the process of changing blog sits and working to get this blog the way I want it. So please pardon the dust while I am still constructing this blog. However, I am extremely excited!!!
Spring Has Sprung!
Spring has sprung! And I for one could not be more excited. For those of us who are active people, winter can be extremely hard for us. Cold weather, less sunshine, going stir crazy inside the house, the list goes on and on. Not only does it affect us physically but also emotionally.
Our energy gets bottled up and we do not have any to release it. Think of it as a dropping a mentos mint into a coke bottle. The majority of us know the outcome to this…… It will eventually expload! Well, the workout people of the world are about the same way. The smallest of things will start to drive us crazy even when we do not realize it. That is when our loved ones step in. They shake the head at us, nod and shove us out the door. They make us run, swim, bike, walk, whatever the case may be. Because they know ultimately, it is best for all parties involved.
But now, no more cold weather, maybe some rain and racing season has started! The next few post will be focused on physical strength and mental strength to build back up our endurance for those of us, for whatever reason, have not been able to run lately. Make a few bench mark goals and plan the first races of the season.
Lace up your running shoes and lets go!
Lost Control?
Many times in our lives we catch ourselves asking the question: “Why is this happening to me?”
As a person who very much likes things to be a certain way, done in a certain order, my reaction to this question is more important than the answer itself.
First, take a deep breath and realize the World is not falling apart and there is a limitless list of things you have to be grateful for. Find the smiles that bring happiness into your life and surround yourself with them.
Second, if you feel like you are loosing control, remember the things you can control. You can control when you go to sleep. This will help with the exhausted/ running out of steam feeling. You can control what you eat. The right foods will give you energy and give you the ability to get through your day without the fatigue from “over-carbing” .
Last item for today, give yourself a goal for the week. This can be physical workout goal, house project, anything you can think of can be a goal. Make the goal small, obtainable and not over baring. By doing this, you have given your mind the ability to focus its energy on something else. Your mind will already be active with worry with whatever situation you are dealing with. However, with these small goals, you can focus that energy into something that gives you a sense of accomplishment. It is rewarding, it will allow you to rest easier at night, and most importantly you have set yourself up emotionally to regain a sense of control when all else seems to be falling apart.
Your Bible verse for today:
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5 KJV)
What is this blog about?
Welcome to my first blog ever! I am so excited to begin doing something I have always wanted to do for a long time. Eventually, I hope to turn this blog into a book for motivating others and relating to indivduals through different aspects of their lives. We will cover so many things on our journey together! From physical fitness, to spiritual growth, relationships, overcoming obstacles in life, the possibilities are endless.
My goal is simple. I want to live each day to inspire just one individual. Even if inspiring one person takes a lifetime. That is how the name of my blog was formed; through my philosophy of life and my relationship with God.
We will cover more of that later in my blogs. But first, sign up to follow and hang on for the ride! I will also post updates on my Facebook when a new post is available.
Resilience Is Beautiful 