I AM a child of God, a woman, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a social worker, a young women's leader. These descriptions of myself are part of my core being and part of the roles that I take most seriously. But, the list can go on and on. I AM compassionate, I AM a good cook, I AM an impulse shopper (hey, it can't ALL be positive, right!?!) Lately I have been expanding who I think I AM to areas that have always been foreign to me. I AM a woman with SHORT hair (and I love it!). I AM a runner (I ran 10.5 miles today withoutstoppingbytheway!) Even just a few short months ago I would not have identified myself as someone with short hair or as a runner. But that is what is so cool about identity. YOU control who and what you want to be (aside from the few definitives such as being a child of God and your gender). It is never too late to shape who you are and break out of the mold of who you have always been. I like the newer version of me. Shorter hair suits my busy lifestyle as a mother of 3 small children. I think I always thought I'd have long hair (and most likely I will grow it back at some point...I know Blaine would like that) but for now, this is what is working for me. And running? I started with the goal to run a 10K this month, which I will do on Memorial Day. But I've already moved on to the goal of running a half marathon on September 18th (anyone want to join me?). Dare I say it? I actually ENJOY running now. Hmmmm.
When I struggled for years with infertility, it became a familiar habit to rag on my body. I felt like it had betrayed me on the most intimate level. I worked through those feelings of betrayal and started reclaiming my love and appreciation for my God-given body a few years ago. Then I became pregnant and experienced the miracle of what a body can do on a whole new level. Now I want to continue to use this body that I have to do things that I never knew were possible for me...such as running far and running fast. It feels great. I don't always treat it well (like eating half a bag of chocolate chips as if it were air-popped popcorn...and it gets worse...but, let's not turn this into a full-fledged confessional). However, I am working on it and realizing that mind over matter goes a long way. After all, I AM a strong woman who can achieve my goals if I set my mind to it.
11 comments:
WOW that was an awesome post Tirsa!!! You rock!
This was a great post Tirsa! I think sometimes we get so involved in what we think our identity is that we forget that we can change it. Thanks for the great reminder that we have the power in us to change! You are a great example to me!
You look amazing! I need to reclaim my body too. Where does a non runner begin?
Hey you look super cute with your hair short! We could be running buddies now. I am proud of you. Too bad we live too far apart.
You look great Tirsa. Way to go on where you've been, how far you've come, and where you want to go!
You are BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE your hair, it is so cute! I never thought in a million years you would cut it. I too have started running, but do not love it yet. And don't worry that baby weight will come off - at least that is what I keep telling myself!
Thanks for the inspiration! You do look amazing!
What a cool post. Made me do some serious self-reflection. Yikes!
I agree what a great post! And girl you look fantastic!! I am impressed!
How did I miss this post yesterday when I was catching up on blogs? This is a GREAT, AMAZING post! You are so right that we can change who we are. I never thought I would be a runner as well, or a mother of four, or a cancer survior.....WE really should take more credit for the good things that we ARE! Thanks for this post!
p.s And you look FABULOUS, love the new hair!
You look sooo stinkin' cute and I love-love-love the short hair!!!
Post a Comment