Dreams: Go Big or Go Home

Ever since I wrote about my mom a few weeks ago, I’ve been thinking about her instructions to take piano lessons. That advice has been haunting me: what is my passion? What is my cause? What is it that I do? When I ran, the races motivated me and pushed me beyond my limits. I had a goal that I cared about deeply, and I reached it. And then I slacked off. Looking back, I miss those weeks of intensive training, the feeling of bonding with my team, the constant realization that I had power within my reach, and the deep satisfaction at completing a very difficult goal.

It seemed almost fortuitous to receive a marketing email about the Providence Rock N Roll Half Marathon. My first race was a Rock N Roll Half Marathon! Providence is my home town! And more than that, I’d been thinking about how much I miss running. Of course, I’ve been thinking about how much I miss my mom, too. And then I had an aha moment. I’m going to run for charity and raise money for the American Cancer Society. I’m going to run a race and do it in memory of my mom. I know she would be proud of me, and I’m going to honor her memory by doing something really important.

I keep telling myself: Don’t dream a dream and feel the regret of inaction. Rather, dream big, take action, stretch yourself, and achieve. And you know what? That is exactly what I am going to do. I am going to give myself a difficult goal – two goals, in fact: I will raise $1260 and I will complete a half marathon. I am going to pull myself up, once again, and reach into the far depths of my dreams. And I’m going to do it.

I’m just getting started, of course. I will write some updates here and here – and I hope you’ll help me if you can.