..begins with a single step. Lao-tzu
This has always been one of my favorite quotes. Perhaps because I so often struggle with the whole “taking-a-single-step” thing. I want to take 50 or 100 and climb mountains in a single leap and tackle the impossible in 5 minutes instead of taking one step.
I have had to remind myself a lot lately to take that one step. Once the whirlwind of two summer classes ended, my idle mind gave me lots of ammunition for emotional breakdowns and depressed moments. Whether it was over relationships, work, or life, it seems lately there have been more bad days and more phone calls that ended in tears. It is simply because instead of taking one step forward, I focused on the fact that I am not 50 steps forward, not over the mountain, and not seemingly overcoming the impossible.
In January, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish this year. Seeing as it is now July, I started thinking about that list the other day. I realized that a) I was a bit over zealous in my list-making and b) instead of breaking the list down into single steps, I gave up on it early on when it seemed overwhelming.
Mostly I gave up because one of the top things on my list was run a marathon. Which was going well until oh mid-January when in the middle of a run, I was in so much pain, I limped back to the gym and subsequently was unable to run for the next five months or so. I would rest, ice, stretch, and attempt a run only to make it about 1/2 mile and be in excruciating pain. I was discouraged and depressed as I slowly saw my hopes of completing a marathon slipping out of my reach.
Then life got crazy and I just put running on the back burner. Apparently, forgetting about it might have done the trick. That and a really good chiropractor. Life slowed down and unwilling to give up all hopes, I signed up for training to run the local half marathon in October and am two runs in with zero pain. So I pushed the 26.2 off until next year and for now I will be content to truck along to my goal of 13.1. I had to give up my 26.2 in exchange for a single step. I am starting from the beginning. And I am slow. But each step along the way is one step closer.
As I continued to reflect on my goals for this year, I realized that I am well on my way to accomplishing some of them. I have completed four classes of my master’s degree and still have my 4.0. I booked a flight to spend almost a week with my best friend Anna and our dear friends from Saipan. We will end up seeing Baltimore, Philly, and Amish country all in 5 days. Just like old times! I successfully passed all my exams for work and even helped a co-worker pass his! The rest of my list may end up un-done for lack of time or finances or both. However, as the year has progressed I have found new goals.
Such as…
-Running a side business as an independent sales rep for Better Way Imports. I love the cause, the product, and sharing it with other people!
-Serving on an auction/fundraising committee for a local non-profit that has provided me a way to give back, connect, and serve with like-minded individuals
-Move back into my own place, declutter, give away the excess, and focus on tackling that goal of cooking
-Fall madly in love with a Savior who loves the broken, the enslaved, the orphan, and the poverty-stricken even when the rest of the world would rather close their eyes and shut their ears
-Learn ever so slowly and at times painfully how to take one small step of faith today
I also plan to attempt to write more. I have quite a few half-written posts that I want to finish and now that I am back to running, I imagine I will have more coming. I seem to always come up with something new while on a run.
To sum it up, this year has so far reminded me once again that often the value comes from the journey. That the moments that can teach you the most often come when we take the time to step back and listen. From the people around you and the company you keep. I have learned that sometimes it is more impactful to sweep a floor or listen to a co-worker. And that each day can be a new beginning. That to take 50 steps, you have to start with 1. To climb a mountain, you have to start at the bottom. And to tackle the impossible, you have to be prepared.
So here’s to taking one step. Today. And another tomorrow. And eventually I will be at the top of the mountain and then soon enough, I will find another one to climb.
