Tag Archives: encouragement

08.30.12
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Life is too short to be anything but happy.

If you don’t know me, you don’t know that I love quotes. That I pretty much started every paper I wrote throughout university with a quote. People make fun of me and my quotes, but I truly find inspiration in the people behind them. I’m not one of those people who randomly google search quotes just for the sake of putting them out there. I like to know what’s what and who’s who. Needless to say that on this journey I’m on, I am in constant need of inspiration and motivation – so I turn to people (and quotes.)

Take for example, Nick Vujicic – an amazing individual. He was born with Tetra-amelia syndrome, which in simple terms means he does not have any of the four limbs. He’s given motivational speeches worldwide; discussing hope and life. He has done more in his young life than most do in a lifetime. I love everything he says.

Or Jonny Kennedy. I can barely type his name without getting weepy-eyed. Several years ago I watched a documentary called “The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off” (click to catch it on YouTube) It was one of the single most moving documentaries I have ever seen. His sense of humour in the face of a not-so-bright future has always stuck with me. My favourite part is him talking about the Heinz ketchup bottle – I challenge you to watch this and not be moved.

 I’d be remiss if I left out one of my favourite athletes, Rick Hansen. Almost a year ago I had the honour and privilege of participating in the 25th Anniversary Relay. Even more so, participating with my cousin, Brenda. What a time! Rick embodies what it means to be a productive community member, leader and athlete. He continues to inspire.

Finally, Terry Fox.  He needs no introduction. He ran 3,339 miles in 143 days to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. He was amazing, believed in miracles and continues to inspire hundreds of thousands today. Though he passed away before I was even born, he remains one of my idols. I continue to think of him when I feel sorry for myself. I think of his positive attitude and determination as he looked death in the face and challenged cancer. How can I be worried about the small, insignificant things?

So here’s a challenge: stop taking life for granted. Enjoy every day. Take advantage of good health. If you’re still breathing, life’s pretty darn good.

Below are my favourite quotes of all time. I hope they inspire you like they inspire me.

“If I fail, I try again, and again, and again” – Nick Vujicic

“Nothing lasts forever, so live it up, drink it down, avoid the bullshit, take chances and never regret because at one point it was what you wanted.”

I think I’ll be bored if the angels sit about on clouds plucking their harps all day. I’ll be up there, getting them off their clouds, doing drops of 1,000 feet and then pulling up. I think you need to spice things up a bit. – Jonny Kennedy

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” e.e. cummings

“Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain
Cherish the memories, ignore the pain
Love and learn, forget and forgive
Because remember, you only have one life to live.”

“It always seems impossible until its done.” – Nelson Mandela

“The goal you set must be challenging. At the same time, it should be realistic and attainable, not impossible to reach. It should be challenging enough to make you stretch, but not so far that you break.”-Rick Hansen

“Life isn’t about having, it’s about being. You could surround yourself with all that money can buy, and you’d still be as miserable as a human can be. I know people with perfect bodies who don’t have half the happiness I’ve found. On my journeys I’ve seen more joy in the slums of Mumbai and the orphanages of Africa than in wealthy gated communities and on sprawling estates worth millions. Why is that? You’ll find contentment when your talents and passion are completely engaged, in full force. Recognise instant self-gratification for what it is. Resist the temptation to grab for material objects like the perfect house, the coolest clothes or the hottest car. The if I just had X, I would be happy syndrome is a mass delusion. When you look for happiness in mere objects, they are never enough. Look around. Look within.”  – Nick Vujicic

I know that you can do the impossible.” – Terry Fox

08.30.12
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The good old kick in the butt!

Well Good Morning folks!

Let me start off by saying that this morning I woke up, thought to myself, “no effing way am I running today. I’m sore. Didn’t sleep well. And I just don’t feel like it.”

And then I checked my email. Let’s just say there were several emails of encouragement – and this turned my mood around. And surprisingly, I had a few notifications on my Facebook page that I had some “likes”! Granted, I’m related to a few, but I didn’t solicit the support – I didn’t even send out invites to the page!! Thank you guys, for your support – you know who you are!

Pictured is my pre-run breakfast. Let me break it down for you:

  1. French pressed coffee (Tim Hortons coarse grinds today)
  2. My favourite mug that I made (It says “keep your hand on it” – which Mimi used to say & I thought it was funny; some may say it’s inappropriate, so it’s a good thing I don’t care what “some” say. 🙂
  3. My favourite water glass; also inappropriate. From the best pal in the world. It says “TGIF Mother F……” Again, I know this is offensive to some, but it makes me laugh and life’s too short not to laugh, right?!
  4. Steel-cut oatmeal with brown sugar and blueberries. I actually quite like it;the taste reminds me of blueberry pancakes. Y’all know I’m not a bullshitter and I’d tell you if it was gross – so give it a try!
  5. Third Eye Chakra by Full Moon Goddess (lol). Okay. Done laughing yet? I don’t usually believe in Hocus Pocus crap, but I picked this up at Planet Organic and I use it a lot. Yes, it makes me smell like I’m from BC, but ya know what? It works! (I’ll explain below)

So what the heck is Third Eye Chakra? 

It claims to help with self-awareness, command, power, authority (and you would swear that Christian Grey developed this in his own creepy lab.) However, I just find it helps wake me up in the morning. You’re supposed to spray on eyes (not whilst open); pineal gland (though it’s spelled wrong on the bottle) and temples. I’ve used things like Caudalie Elixir (retails for $48) which is supposed to wake your skin up but let’s be serious, I’m not the 1% and $48 for some skin stuff is a little steep. Therefore, since the Chakra is like $10 and works just as well I’ll stick with it. Don’t believe me? Try it out! Like I said, this morning I had no energy to get up and get moving, now I’ve had my breakfast, sprayed me face – I’m ready to rock!

Hope everyone is well out there. Thanks for your support!

08.29.12
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Thank you!

 

I just want to thank everyone for all of the support and encouragement I have received so far. To say it’s been overwhelming is a complete understatement – from one corner of the world to another – thank you!

“Running has given me the courage to start, the determination to keep trying, and the childlike spirit to have fun along the way. Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running.” – Julie Isphording, Marathon winner