Don't Believe Everything You Hear!

So I was perusing through one of my favorite running sites Runnersworld today, and came across a blog that really kinda hit home with me. I don't often read Kristin Armstrong's blog. I enjoy her writing, I just don't have a lot of "sit-down" time during the day, and by the time I get home, the kiddos, homework, dinner and just "life-stuff" get the majority of my attention. But today's read was about talking nice about/to yourself.

Why is it so hard to do this?

Growing up, my dad and I had this thing...he would tell me I was beautiful- then it was my turn- I would add "and gorgeous" he would add- "and smart" then my turn- "and intelligent"...and whatever else we could come up with. I was very small when he started this...and he would occasionally remind me of this when I was well grown and had kiddos of my own. Yes, he trained me well (wink*) and I did expect to hear this the rest of my life (boy, I miss him sometimes!!)...especially from anyone that decided to tell me they  "loved" me.  But, in reality if I don't feel that way about myself....who else will see those qualities in me?

Too many times we say things without thinking about the consequences. Once words leave our mouths it's impossible to retrieve them...kinda like trying to put toothpaste back into the tube. I've unfortunately found myself on the giving end and the receiving end...and really neither is a pleasant place to be.

Praise is important. Encouragement is essential. Unconditional love is HUGE in relationships. People will disappoint. Heck, I disappoint myself sometimes. You blow off a training day, hit your head or stub your toe and say something not so nice, yell at your spouse/child because you let the stress of the day build up without thinking....But If you don't get back up, brush yourself off and believe in your God given talents and abilities (cause we all have them!!)  ask for forgiveness! if necessary and move on, you just get stuck... stagnate... rotten.. and just simply Blah!

And when all else fails....which it sometimes does...sometimes you just have to encourage yourself!

~later