I wanted to share this dailymile post from last week with folks outside the DM community. It was a bad, day, a great run, and getting a little reminder of what’s important in my life. Running does that for me. It gives me the outlet to process information and work things out in my head. It’s also where some of my best thinking (in general) and creative ideas come from. The following was one of those nights that reminded me why I run in the first place.
From dailymile.com (4.7.10):
I needed this run. By the time I got out there, it was late, cold, rainy and WINDY. I set out run off a pretty awful day. It was one of those days when you have to deal with really difficult people, make difficult and maybe frustrating choices, do what you think is right, and stand your ground. I just had a lot going on in my head. I just couldn’t let go of the frustration. And then something happened.
The following track came up on my iPod:
“Building All Is Love” by Karen O and The Kids (From the Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack)
On the last mile of this run, tears started streaming down my face. I’m talking a real UGLY cry. Because this song instantly makes me think of my daughters. I could hear them singing and dancing around the house sing-yelling this song, as we are prone to do. It all became really, really clear.
They love me and are proud of me today, but that’s easy. They are four and six. But everyday I have to live my life to earn that same love, pride, and respect when they are 24 and 26. I think I do that. I think that if sticking to my personal and professional ethics makes for a hard day, or a disappointment in the short term, that I’m okay with that for the long haul.
Because I can come home and look at my daughters and know that I am someone they can be proud of.
So that’s what I needed. I needed to get out and RUN, and think, and put it all back into perspective.
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April 14, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Jim Raffel
Sara – I seldom offer advice when not asked (well except for Cheryl and she gets way more than she wants) but you have been so helpful to me.
I swore I’d never say this….”I’m a little older than you and perhaps a little wiser (only ’cause I’ve done some really dumb shit in my time)” so, here’s my advice….
From the little I know of you – Don’t change a damn thing. Leave all the self-doubt behind and keep doing what you’re doing.
That’s it.
As you were 😉
April 14, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Sarah
Sara, you make mommying into a form of art and it is beautiful. You are the Maurice Sendak of moms.
April 15, 2010 at 8:53 am
Sara
Jim and Sarah. Your comments mean a great deal to me. I know, and respect both of you so much… Much love to you. xo
April 16, 2010 at 9:25 am
Angie
Sara, Sarah’s right, you’ve got so much right going on in terms of Motherhood. It’s honestly inspiring to read about parenting like you’re practicing for someone like me who has yet to enter the realm.
There’s so many books and theories and people can get so wrapped up in what is “right” and “wrong” when it comes to raising your kids…and really I think if you just have some simple, rooted philosophies (like making them proud), it keeps all the details in check.
Thanks for the post – made me think a lot about my own parents and how important it is in the kid / parent relationship to make ’em proud!
April 16, 2010 at 9:53 am
Sara
Angie, thank you for such kind words. You made me smile today. 🙂