My friend and I ran 6 miles this morning in preparing for our 1/2 Marathon in 7 1/2 weeks! The back three we had the wind, and it wasn't easy. We did it. Its such a sense of accomplishment, and I feel such gratitude for friendships and a healthy body that lets me experience this journey.
There was a time with Retinitis Pigmentosa where I cautiously navigated my walking ... prior to cane training and ultimately enjoying the freedom of a guide dog. So, to be able to RUN is pure joy.
There was a time with Retinitis Pigmentosa where I was on a medication that left me dehydrated and catching my breath. To now be able to RUN is pure joy.
There was a time with Retinitis Pigmentosa where I had a harder time asking someone to guide me and help me run. Now, to RUN with a friend is pure joy. I love the friendship and conversation.
--Break in my day since posting this where Cricket went to the vet and her stitches were taken out. Yay! She is happily chewing on a bone. I'm so grateful she will be returning to her work as a guide dog sooner than later.
Later in the month, I will be attending a workshop in Atlanta entitled Healing from Within: The Use of Positive Psychology and Core Character Strengths in Coping with Loss and Grief. Doesn't that sound interesting for Cricket and I to enjoy and learn! We received an email asking us to take the VIA Survey of Character Strengths. If you have a chance, take the test. I'd love to hear about your experience! I was really surprised at some of the character strengths that reached my top five. There are 24 strengths and understanding where our strengths lie is fascinating. I keep having lightbulb moments about it all and I haven't even gone to the workshop yet :). I'm so excited to attend the conference. (One of my top five strengths is zest, enthusiasm, and energy if you hadn't guessed.) Thankfully, Cricket should be up and guiding by then as well. Yay, Gratitude for a working girl, again. (Gratitude was my top strength on this test.)
The journeys of Becky, blind from retinitis pigmentosa, and her beauitiful guide dogs.
5 comments:
I can only imagine how good that feels after all of the trials you have endured Becky! Running IS so freeing. I have knee problems that keep me from running as much as I'd like but I do love it when I am able to pull it off. So exciting you are doing a half marathon! You will fly - I have no doubt! And I'm so glad you had a nice trip to St. George and that Cricket is doing better. "Let gratitude be your attitude" my mom always says. You are such a great living example of that quote.
It is wonderful that you have broken through all the "boundries" that Retinitis Pigmentosa could have given you.
And the conference sound great. I was intrigued for sure with the title of learning about
CORE CHARACTER STRENGTHS IN COPING WITH LOSS
core character strength...still totally working on that one.
Erin - Thanks so much. What a beautiful quote.
Wendy - You have so many character strengths!
I am studying to be a teacher of the visually impaired and a few weeks ago, one of my text books coughed up a gem, and this post reminded me. It is attributed to Stephen Covey:
"Interdependence is a choice only independent people can make. Dependent people cannot choose to be come interdependent. They don't have the character to do it; they don't own enough of themselves."
I don't know why I always comment on your blog with quotations or poems, but there you go!
Mandy - love this quote! I remember hearing it at the blind center and it felt empowering!
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