Running has been something I’ve wanted to do as long as I can remember. If you’ve read my previous posts, I attempted to run back in June and got a few weeks in and I hurt my knee. I took 6 weeks off and then got back into the groove.

I’m following the Couch to 5k plan. During week 5, day 3, the greatest challenge I’ve ever come up against showed up. Run for 20 mins without stopping. What? Well, I did it! Today, I jumped over this huge hurdle and when my stopwatch hit 20 mins, I threw my hands up in the air and shouted. I felt totally accomplished! I was so proud of myself.

See, for most of my life, I’ve always wanted to do particular things. I’ve had attainable goals and I’ve had the goals that were labeled “in my dreams”. I’ve been successful at reaching those attainable goals, but the “in my dreams” goals have always played second place to my silly excuses.

As I’ve been transitioning from 29 to 30, it’s like someone slapped me across the face and said, “Hey, you! Wake it up! YOU are the ONLY ONE that can change your future. YOU are the ONLY ONE that can reach the goals that you’ve never had the courage to reach. It will be hard. It will take discipline. But aren’t you tired of living in the “what-ifs”? Aren’t you tired of making excuses for your lack of fortitude? Aren’t you tired of wishing you could DO something? Don’t you want to finish things instead of just starting them?”

So, I’m exercising, running, eating better, making time for my family, making time for God, learning how to build things (I built a pantry this year!), consistently writing, actively seeking a publisher for my children’s books, and trying hard to be obedient to where God leads me on a daily basis. Chewing my fingernails…well, that one is still hanging over my head. I’ve had small victories, and I will get there. I’m not going to quit.

Today: Running 20 mins.

Tomorrow: Running a 5K

Beyond: Running a 1/2 marathon 

What “in your dreams” goal do you need to start working towards? Only YOU can make it happen…