Confidence

Last week I was so blessed to be a guest on Pure Fit Radio. At the top of the show, the on air hosts Kevin and Judy interviewed Suzy Favor Hamilton (pictured here with me). I was moved and inspired by her interview and sent her an email letting her know how much her story touched me. As an off handed remark I said, "Oh let me know if you are ever in Boston. I would love to hear you speak." She email'ed me letting me know that she would be in Boston - today! She was speaking at a local corporation as part of their health and wellness program. She said that they would also be doing a 5K run. During email communications with the organizers of the event, I shared that I am a back of the packer so if there was a time limit then I wouldn't participate in the run but would love to hear Suzy speak. They told me that no worries, this is not a competitive run by any means.

Suzy is even more inspirational in person than on the radio. Her energy is infectious and she was able to set the auditorium on fire with her energy and a Katy Perry song. Her journey and my journey have many parallels - Type A overachievers, seeking perfection and approval from outside. (We even met our husbands on a blind date). She hit the wall during the most important race of her life. I hit mine three years shy of retirement age. But it's not about the falling down; it's about the getting up. One message that Suzy sends loud and clear is how important it is to let go of the ego and not worry about other people's opinion of you. How wonderful and healing for me to be reminded of messages that I so often share with others. It's so great to receive as well as give inspiration. So after bustin'a move in the front of the auditorium along with several of the other employees of the company and giving a huge shout out to Pure Fit Radio, it was time for the 5K.

Little did I know that it was not just a 5K around the grounds of the company. It turned into an Outward Bound experience. There were lots of 'obstacles' and challenges and I heard this inner voice nudging me letting me know that I would be fine on the unfamiliar terrain of these trails.I felt a confidence in my body that I had not experienced before starting the practice of yoga. I took my time and found my way but when it came to one stream crossing with rocks and a fairly wide space to jump across, I hesitated. I knew I had to ask for help and the two people I was with were so gracious and patient with me. At first I said that I was sorry I needed help and I quickly recanted as they also told me to not apologize. (I reminded myself of my blog post about No Apologies). Part of setting my ego aside is acknowledging my limits and keeping myself safe. I had the most enjoyable walk even though I was out in totally unfamiliar territory with two women who I had just met.

I was invited to have lunch with Suzy. We talked about how we were all living in the moment enjoying nature and the beautiful surroundings while enjoying a walk or a run. Some of the employees knew each other but for the most part, we were all different and yet One. Before we went on our run, Suzy had us warm up. She had us do squats. Well the most amazing thing happened to me. As I have commented on in previous posts, I can't do a squat. The collective energy of the group and a focus on health and wellness and vitality was contagious. I found myself taking a wide stance and pointing my feet outward and lo and behold, I was able to find my way into a squat. Suzy's message inspired me to be confident, take risks and yet to also know when it's important to ask for help.

It took a lot of confidence for me to put myself in a totally unknown situation and without my loving partner Tom by my side. I was confident that I would find my way to the location. I was confident that I was supposed to be there. I had no idea the venue or the forum or if I would even have a chance to meet and talk with Suzy one on one. I just knew I was meant to be there. So two women, in two different towns with very different journeys yet with so many similarities had a 'chance' meeting after being on the same radio show. Only we know this was no chance meeting. We blessed and touched each other's lives today as did all of us who shared a special moment with an Olympian and an NCAA track star. Suzy helped us unleash the champion and star inside each one of us today and find the confidence to be the best we can be!

God bless, be well and live like you were dyin'
From my heart to yours with love and gratitude,
Mary

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