My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Monday, January 3, 2011

Letting Go, Affirming, & Running

There are a lovely group of women that meet at our office. They are a tribe - a support for one another. It is my belief that we all need that in our lives. Those who are cheering us on. I love these ladies. I want them to feel joy. We wrote on balloons those things we were letting go of - perhaps a belief about ourselves that we were going to not believe any longer, perhaps a guilt for something that we were going to let go of, pain that we were going to say good bye to. I understand it is not simply that easy. This process becomes a start - an intention to do so. After the group finished, I had one additional session. Following my last session, I took a moment and asked myself what I needed to let go of. I couldn't think of anything in that moment. (Keep in mind, I had just had an amazing yoga session to do so). Cricket and I let the balloon go on a beautiful, crispy cold Winter night. I felt gratitude for this process. Perhaps, I let go of the desire to see the yellow balloon float to the sky. I knew it was and that was enough.
After a yummy dinner and a toast to celebrate the intention of creating a Healthy, Happy 2011; this group of women wrote their affirmations on a mirror. A place we could look at it (or remember it is there) each day. The most powerful way to do an affirmation is to look in a mirror and say them outloud. If you are resistant, hesitant, or just don't want to change, ask yourself why. What old belief are you holding on to? Affirmations are done in the present tense such as I am or I have.
My affirmation of the month: I am embracing the blind technology available to me.

Some possible affirmations to embrace:
My life is a success.
I am at peace with myself and my life.
I appreciate the wonder of my body.
I release the need to criticize others.
I give myself permission to acknowledge my feelings.

Do you have an affirmation you incorporate into your day? 

Side note:  Shannon and I ran 8 1/2 miles this morning.  It was cold and icy outside so we ran on an indoor track.   New experience that we embraced and had a great time.  I love her and this experience.  (My legs feel a little different on the subject.)

5 comments:

Maxmom said...

What lovely, practical ideas you have, Becky!

Like many of us, I too have problems with affirmations, but I can testify to them working...like my commitment "To blog positively" has turned me into (my own affirmation) :"A positive person".

I wanted to 'plant a seed' (unrelated to the topic) which we did one day as a group: Put a pile of magazines in the room. Give participants a sheet of paper, pair of scissors and glue stick. The task: To make a collage of the pictures which you come across that "Speak to you". Once complete - break into groups of two and tell the other person about you collage. It brings out amazing identity issues.
(But then again, you probably know this little task...I love the mixture of creativity and identity)

Lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

s day @ sdayrunning.blogspot.com said...

Oh my gosh- my legs are shaking with fatigue from our run :)
Group/Tribe last night was awesome and I really felt so great to let go of those things on the balloon. Thanks for the opportunity to do that.
Hugs

Myrna R. said...

I haven't practiced affirmations in guite a while, but I know its benefits.

I let go of limiting beliefs that stifle my creativity. 'll have to work that into a more positive affirmation, but that's the gist of what I intend.

Thanks Becky for your uplifing advice.

Anonymous said...

I've never thought to write an affirmation on a mirror so that I would say it aloud while looking at myself--great idea (albeit a bit frightening! ;) ).
8 1/2 miles...yeah!!
-Lisa

Anonymous said...

I get a little therapy each time I read your blog. Who would have thought there was such a thing on-line .... free therapy! Thank you. You inspire me. Always.