Dear Flyers,
Competition, it’s a funny thing. Working hard towards something, always seeking for faster times, better performances. It fills me up. It’s the most joyful way of living I could ever imagine. It makes me the best version of myself. But with training and competition, comes the constant flux between past and future. My mind in constant flip flop. I’ve run x time in the past, I want to run x time in the future. These thoughts make it easy to skip over the present. And when it comes down to it, the present moment is all we really have.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. With my own running, with my coaching of others, watching my teammates train and prepare for competition. The other day, post long run in one of my favorite places of all time, I did something I often rush over. I took a moment to close my eyes and take it all in. The smell of the aspens, the sweat on my face, the sweet satisfaction of a long run done. I felt grateful for all that my body allows me to do, the encouragement I receive from my teammates and coach, the opportunity to live in a place that I love, for my husband's support, and for my two boys I had waiting for me at home.
It was a moment that brought it all home for me. A moment that made me realize just how fortunate I am. Just as the body benefits from movement, the mind benefits from stillness. When the body and mind come together, we feel good because we are thoroughly engaged. There is such power in pressing pause each day to appreciate where we are, what we have, and the work that we do.
I am constantly on the move. Rushing between training, coaching, and momming my two boys, but I’m realizing the power in making gratitude a daily habit. And it’s something I want to do more of.
So, this is my March challenge to YOU. Keep dreaming big, keep putting in the work, but add in one more component. Make room to press pause each day. To breathe in and breathe out. To take in the moment. To give yourself credit and thanks for all that you do. Don’t skip the present. Align the body and the mind and make room for gratitude in your life.
Share your mindful moments and reflections with #PressPause
Wheels Up!
- Steph
#WheelsUp17 is a series made for the motivated — a monthly challenge designed to help you see your runway and takeoff. With pro and coach Steph Bruce at the helm, and the power of the Oiselle community by your side — it’s just the right push to help you pull up your wheels and soar!
SIGN UP & STAY MOTIVATED!
GET THE MONTHLY SERIES DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DIGITAL DOORSTEP:
