Lately my life has really seemed to be leading down that "next path". I'm not sure what it is but I'm excited about the possibilities. I'm also happy to be right where I am. I am able to be home with my kids but I'm also challenging myself with personal goals. I'm almost nearing the end of a long marathon training plan and I've been having fun with this blog that I started in October after my hamstring injury. At first it was just a way for me to start something new so that I didn't lose my MIND as a stay-at-home mommy that COULDN'T RUN! Yep, not being able to run or be very physical for a few months AND staying home all day with the kids really took its toll on me. Starting my blog gave me a creative and intellectual outlet. It was a way for me to express myself on many levels, take pictures to share, strengthen my dusty writing brain, and connect with other like-minded people. Every new follower/reader was exciting and even one or two comments on my posts were like little boosts of encouragement to my day. Now here I am, in May, thinking I'm ready for a next step, I know that I want to really focus on my marathon but then I'm certain that something big is just around the corner. Not sure what. And not sure if I will even want anything big to happen. I'm pretty content right where I am at. I know that when I'm ready, I have some ideas for books I want to write, possible organizations to start up, and new levels I want to reach as an athlete. But I always seem to be waiting. Almost waiting for it to come to me.
Yesterday, in the midst of craziness as usual, my husband called me on my cell. I was driving home from dropping soup off for my mom and I was distracted as I am most of the time these days. He told me he needed to tell me something. Something important and he wanted to make sure I was really listening before he spoke. He had been away for awhile on a work trip so I was thinking that something big must have happened and I listened carefully. I'm not always the best listener these days with the craziness of my life with three little kids. And he isn't always the one to want to talk seriously.
He very strongly and seriously told me how much he believes in me. How much he believes in my dreams and potential. He told me that he thinks I have more potential than I realize and that he wants me to GO! He wants me to GO NOW! Whatever that means. And not wait for my dreams to come to me. He encouraged me to not wait to start my ideas for writing but to find opportunities now. He also stressed how much he believes in me as an athlete.
I got a little choked up by all of this and I think he might have been a little choked up too. It sure was wonderful to hear his words and I'm so thankful to have someone like that in my life. He even sent me an e-mail with links to opportunities he encouraged me to go for.
Just knowing that someone so close to me, my best friend, love of my life, my partner in life, stopped to seriously tell me how much he believed in my dreams and was there to support me in them, was a very powerful experience. I've always known that he feels this way but I don't think he's ever just stopped and very seriously said these things so strongly.
The power of having a community, a person, SOMEONE to believe in us and support us in our dreams is so special. I'm not sure what I'm ready for at this point in my life but I do know that I have some pretty awesome support when I decide to take this next step in my life! Thank you Honey!
Again, thank you for your wonderful e-mails and supportive comments about my post on spirituality.
Also, I hate doing this AGAIN but I probably will keep doing it until June 1st...especially if I am going to keep up with some of those bigger blogs. If you like my blog, please vote for me HERE. It is so easy and you can vote once a day! Thank you!!
OH and Runninghood has a facebook now (check it out in the top right hand corner of my blog).
Who would you say is a person that has always believed in you and encouraged you in your dreams?
Amanda
I hear you LOUD and CLEAR.. My husband has followed me through all my injuries and whining.. He has never let me just lay down. He always continues to support me in all my trials.(Nora)
ReplyDeleteso sweet!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing conversation to have in the midst of a crazy day!! I hope that sometime in the future I can find what you two share.
ReplyDeleteBoth my parents have been supportive my whole life and encouraged me to pursue what makes ME happy and no one else- guess thats why I'm so independent. I think our parents are supposed to be our biggest supporters because we're their offspring, so I completely understand how much more powerful it would feel coming from someone different... in your case, your husband.
This is so, SO true. I just met my wonderful boyfriend about 6 months ago, and I can't believe I lived 28 years without having someone like him in my life to cheer me on. It's a wonderful thing. Your husband sounds great! Keep him! haha.
ReplyDeletegood grief- I almost started crying at my work computer just reading this! you snagged a good one there!! That is awesome and amazong, so nice to have someone that backs you especially when you are doing some of the crazy crap that runners consider sane. Keep us posted on the writing journey!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome thta he is so supportive and lets you know so you too. I love that he wanted to make sure you were listening - The Coach says that to me too!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is also supportive. He constantly expresses his confidence in my training! So nice.
WOW THIS POST MADE ME TEAR UP!!! That is absolutely amazing. Girl, your hubby is the bomb.com. It makes the hugest difference ever when you have your best friend there for you believing in you more than anyone else. I am so happy you started your blog in October....I have benefited from it SO much!
ReplyDelete*tears* That is so great! I'm so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! He's a keeper!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is there for me too. While he's not verbally effusive with his support, his actions have always shown me that he's 100% behind me: having my ice bath ready when I get back from a long run, booking my airline tickets so I could go run a marathon across the country, not complaining even once about my running schedule and doing everything to work around it.... I couldn't do it without him. And it's not even *just* the running either. He's the best dad ever to our boys.
My parents also. Wow. They sacrificed so much for me growing up. I still remember my dad always there to catch my half-dead body as I crossed the finish line at my high school cross country races. And how cool is my mom for getting me a 90 minute massage right after my last marathon?!?!
We are blessed, you and I.
That is so sweet!
ReplyDeletewow...what a great husband! that is so great he took the time out to tell you he believes in you!
ReplyDeleteAmanda! What a great way to be interrupted in your day. Sounds like Mr runninghood is a really AWESOME guy. That kind of support is so valuable. Doesn't have to come from a spouse- but oh-so-good when it does!
ReplyDeleteYou two are beautiful!
I voted for you :) Will again today =D
I was tearing up reading this post.. Love it..
ReplyDeleteMy husband is amazing also.. He is my biggest fan! We are living the Dream...So lucky to have him...
How sweet - you're lucky to have each other!
ReplyDeletethat is so incredibly sweet!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible phone call. I'm lucky to have my husband be my biggest supporter as well and know that he will support me no matter what I go after! I realize how valuable a gift this is, as many don't have it. Get after it, girl!! Sounds like you have many in your corner!
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL! This post brought tears to my eyes--kudos to your husband!! Sounds like you have the support system in place to accomplish anything!
ReplyDeleteI am seriously in awe and touched. What a special man you have in your life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic partner in life you have! Loved your spirituality post - really enjoyed your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI love that. He seems to know that you are destined for something bigger Amanda! I can't wait to keep following and see what it is.
ReplyDeleteI have a husband like that too. I feel very lucky!
Such a sweet post! Your hubs sounds awesome! My mom, my spouse, and my best friend David have supported me and encouraged me no matter what. They are my biggest fans and my support network.
ReplyDeleteI just teared up a bit! That is so incredibly sweet! My hubby and my parents are all very supportive of me and my goals. And so is my mother-in-law, who is actually going to try to make the 3 hour drive to see me run my first race!
ReplyDeleteHaving that support is one of the greatest feelings ever.
Lucky Lady for sure...Also, a pretty lucky guy as I can imagine you are quite a supporter of his dreams as well:) I love the urgency I feel here with his need to express this to you!!! Very special! I'll say it again, you truly have an amazing family. Your kids SO SO blessed to grow up in your home!
ReplyDeleteI do feel very fortunate to have been graced with people who believe in me, people who believe in me even when I haven't believed in myself. My sisters, my parents, my husband...I couldn't even put into words how much I hit the jackpot with him. NO ONE is more proud of me or more encouraging to me. My dreams are simpler these days and I don't feel anything pressing on the horizon, just a FULLNESS and contentment with my current situation. I enjoy this but also know that should something arise, I will have an amazing support system!!
Love the pics!! And for the record, (although I won't give you a groin strain from Hot sex or want Mexican food for dinner-ha!) I BELIEVE in you too:)
Your husband is a wonderful man and I know that you know that. Just knowing someone is there for you and has your back makes life so much easier.
ReplyDeleteI'm choked up reading this post!! I love love love this! Support from people who we care about is so so huge! My mom and a handful of very close friends are much like that for me as well, and I would NEVER be where I am today without them!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! What an awesome husband you have! I am excited to see (read) about your upcoming adventures I know they will be amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great guy! And how inspiring. You are very lucky. Not everyone has support like that, and it makes a huge difference! Good luck with your adventure.
ReplyDeleteAnd I voted for you! (Vote for me?!?)
Your husband rocks! Really cool he is so supportive.
ReplyDeletewhat a nice husband!!
ReplyDeleteHe is so right Amanda. Go get your dreams!!! follow your heart and see where it takes you!
Love you mucho! (that's spanish for "lots" incase you didn't know;) lol
Your husband sounds like a wonderful man. Isn't it great when the person you love most in the world believes in you and sticks with you, ready to give you a boost when you need it most?
ReplyDeleteI think its so awesome when people find this type of love/support in their lives. I'm finally with the one person in my life that not only encourages me but supports and pushes and wishes me to the top of whatever game I'm playing in life. I love that he stopped to call you and force you to listen. What a man. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is sooooo sweet!!
ReplyDeleteMy mom and Grandpa are definitely my two people that have always been my support staff that encourage me in all of my crazy ideas!
Awe, sweet. You'll have to read my post today...the comment about my husband will make you laugh! I laughed out loud when I saw the title of your post...not exactly my husband. :)
ReplyDeleterunningtobeskinny.com
It's amazing having a supportive husband, one who believes in your potential and sees what you are capable of (even you don't always see it). That is a TRUE partner in life.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post!! It's so great that you have someone that supports you!
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome, Amanda! You are truly a blessed girl! I'm so happy that you found someone that is so supportive and loves you the way you should be loved. I remember when you first met him. I could tell there was something special there by the way you talked about him! I agree... go for it!
ReplyDeleteWho would you say is a person that has always believed in you and encouraged you in your dreams?
ReplyDeleteI would say, "Go Beavers"