This post initially posted on my old blog Running From Nothing: Open Roads. Open Minds in January 2012. I’ve made it a bit more relevant, but love that it still holds such fire in me.
Beauty fades, and lust can die, but the compassion of a mother and the legs of a runner will always be there.
Speaking with my mother quite candidly about parenting, I’ve come to the realization that I hit the Million Dollar Jackpot- not just any ‘ole lottery. Vividly describing, brutally honest, gentle in delivery, firm in message, my mother has reminded me time and time again over these past 6 years, to take a deep breath. It can be difficult to listen to her directions to take a step back. I simply stop reacting, and just act.
Her voice reminds me of a time, 19 years ago, when sitting on my bed, lost in thoughts I never wish to revisit, my mother, brave and newly widowed, sat with me and rubbed my head for hours. She kissed each tear and held my wringing hands until I fell asleep in her arms. Her voice reminds me of a gymnastics trip she neither had the time nor energy to take to Hanover, Pennsylvania; however, she took it with me, smiling and taking pictures the entire journey. Her voice reminds me of the past 32 years when I’ve raised my voice and she has remained calm, and when she’s raised her voice and I’ve drowned her out. She is someone I want to emulate in motherhood, but also as a woman. Her strength, beauty and passions outweigh her, sometimes silly temper, confusion about where her keys are, the (inherited by me) suitcase she carries around trying to pass off as a handbag, and affinity for a real paper planner.
What is good enough?
Being an amazing mother has never been enough for her. She has the be the best person in the world- not because she tries, but because she is. And, as if this wasn’t enough, she completed the Philadelphia ING Half Marathon at 63 years old… and is a driving force in my daily runs to not give up on myself.
Often we hear behind ever great man/woman is a great man/woman. But for me, behind each mile, literally and figuratively are men and women who were a driving in force in keeping me moving forward. Friends, new and old- some not even in my life anymore. Family, past and present… those we will forever miss, the memories tying together loose ends, regardless of the fray they threaten.
What’s the driving force behind you? Each mile you take… what’s keeps you moving forward? Take a moment. Assess. Give thanks. Reach out. Support someone else.
Repeat.
I see you rocking the workouts on Instagram and you are definitely ROCKING them! You are an inspiration – keep up the awesome work.
You are such an inspiration to moms out there. You have never stopped working to stay in shape, and you keep me so motivated!
Love it, love it, LOVE IT! Staying fit is so important to we moms as humans in general and as key parts of our family unit. Being moms doesn’t mean we stop being people!
Thanks for the motivation. You are amazing.
My kids defiantly keep me going. If I am active then they will see it and hopefully motivate them to be active as well.
What a great inspiration to moms everywhere!
Keep up the great work 🙂
What an awesome and inspiring post! The driving thing that keeps me going is the memories of my stepdad. He died of Alzheimer’s and wanting no one to ever go through what he went through is what helps me get through each day. He’s my inspiration and the reason I never give up.
This is such a strong post for mothers out there. I love that you can write something so powerful and still feel it years from now.
No matter the goal or struggle, having a solid support system is so important. Your mom sounds like a total rock star and I love learning about the role she plays in your own motherhood journey.
Marcie W. recently posted…Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa – Day One
What an amazing inspiration to all moms! It’s so important for all of us to have and be support for each other.
I need to get some motivation to get back to my workouts. Life has a way of getting so busy and I always seem to cut my workouts first.
I need more motivation to go back to exercising as much as I use to. I do my best to try to at least get my ten thousand steps in a day. That and doing thirty minutes of exercise a day.
I just love your last parting words here in this post. I really needed this motivation right now.
This is an inspirational post to read. My kids and my husband are my driving force to do the best that I can.
What an awesome inspiration you are! Loving the leggings, I want to rock those!
Sarah recently posted…Disney Bambi Party Crafts & Food Ideas!
They say that you either grow up to be exactly like your family or the total opposite. For me, the desire to be opposite of my parents was what drove me to be the best mother that I could. I did not want my daughter to grow up like I did. I wanted her to have a good childhood.
Definitely an inspiring post! Your Mom sounds amazing and is such a great example of a perfect role model.
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Aww I got emotional as I lost my mom many years ago as a teen. This is lovely, and so sweet. Beautiful forces you guys seem to be!
This is a very inspiring post! I love the idea of taking a moment and give thanks to those who inspire you. We find inspiration from others and it really feels great to be an example of motivation for them.
This is very inspiring! I run but definitely not as often as I should. I try to model healthy eating and exercise for my kids….I want them to live a long, healthy life!