Welcome to Making Strides! I decided to start this blog because I’m in a mindset lately of wanting to try new things and wanting to make connections with people. I thought a blog might be a great way to connect with people who have a similar mindset and similar experiences.
The overarching theme of the blog is to work through the challenges I take on in my life and what I learn from those challenges. In the short run, this will largely be about the latest challenge I have taken on – I signed up to train for a half marathon to raise money for cancer research. This is through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program.
I am 35 years old, have never run before, and am not really in shape. So I’m a little bit terrified, but intentionally challenging myself. Rather than doing this on my own, I decided to train through Team in Training because it means this personal challenge will also have a broader benefit – participants raise money for cancer research and support.
It’s a hard thing to take on new challenges. On the one hand, it seems wise to simplify life and reduce hardship. On the other hand, a person rarely learns or develops if they only stay in their comfort zone. I’m feeling strong and stable enough to venture a bit outside the comfort zone. We’ll see how that goes! I imagine lots of other people have struggled with personal development. And I imagine lots of others have even more courage than I do at improving themselves and helping others. Therefore, I hope much of what I experience will resonate with others, and I welcome your comments (hopefully consisting of encouragement and not spam).
