Inspiration and Endorphins

     In my last post I told you I'm a runner. The truth is I'm fairly new to running and am extremely slow, which is probably why people feel the need to cheer me on. I've been running, at a very slow pace, since last March. This is currently the longest I have ever stuck with any form of exercise. I think the reason has a lot to do with the running community. I have never experienced anything like it. The support, encouragement, and positive feeling amongst runners blows my mind. My husband, a swimmer, tells me the swimming community is much the same, and I imagine other groups are as well. I began with a couch to 5K program and was very much on the couch at the start. A neighbor who saw me on the go invited me to join a local Facebook group called The Moms Run This Town. A more inspiring group of women I have yet to meet. Many of the group are experienced runners with myriad races under their belt but there is no feeling of superiority, simply support and kudos given to each members accomplishments on the road, no matter how small they may seem. It is no wonder to me why running and races have become so popular. There is so much goodwill at the events I've been to you can see how people get hooked. And the good feeling doesn't just help other runners. Most races support various charities putting all those endorphins to further good use. I'll admit part of my enjoyment of the sport comes from being able to get out of my house for a short while a few times a week, but I think the real reason I've stuck with it so long is the support and inspiration I've found in the running community, especially through the Moms Run This Town. I hope I am able to inspire others the way they have inspired me. It's just one more way we can each make a difference.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/2913348690/">mikebaird</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>

A Little Encouragement Goes a Long Way

     Last week I talked about how something as simple as a smile can work wonders. It can brighten some one's day and be quite contagious. A few weeks ago I was out for a run and I tried to make it a point to smile at every person I met.  It ended up being the best run ever. I wasn't fast and I didn't go far but I came back on an amazing high that wasn't just from running. Not only did I get plenty of smiles back but also encouragement for trying to get in shape. It may be one of my favorite things about running. The cheering and support I get from people on the road. Sometimes it's friends and neighbors but just as often I get "Good for you's" from random strangers and I have to admit it feels wonderful. In fact, that day I got so much encouragement on the road I ended up running almost an additional half mile more than I had planned. So what if we all tried to encourage other people who we saw doing a good job? You may not be comfortable saying it to a complete stranger but we all know a friend or family member who could benefit from hearing what a great job you think they are doing. Sometimes it's just what we need to keep going.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rueful/8065467654/">Key Foster</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>

All it Takes is a Smile

     Let's begin by thinking small.  When we think about making the world a better place we can become overwhelmed at the sheer magnitude of what lies before us, but do not be discouraged.  The smallest display of kindness can do more than we could ever imagine.  It may not brighten an entire day, but it will surely brighten the moment.  The simple act of smiling at another person can do wonders, not just for the person receiving the gesture but for you as well.  A smile can sometimes seem difficult to manage but I have found that a forced smile will often become genuine when one is received in return.  My favorite smiles are the unexpected ones though.  When you smile at someone who you are fairly certain will not smile back, but then they blow you away with the most beautiful smile, as if they were just waiting for someone to share with.  A smile will probably not move any mountains but it could be the beginning of something extraordinary.


photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abhiomkar/4520333403/">abhiomkar</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>