A lifetime of...

What came to mind when you finished the title of this article in your mind?

If I ask you to come up with a list of at least 10 things you'd like to experience or accomplish in your lifetime, could you do it? If not, maybe it's time to start dreaming and going after the things you want more of in your life. You can think of this as an insightful bucket list.

How are those things going to make you feel? More joyful, maybe more free? Do you feel free to do what makes you happy? Free to dream, live and explore the incredible world around you?

If you can come up with at least a few goals, why did you choose those things? How does it honor who you really are, your values, your passions? How can you experience these feelings in your everyday life? Doing activities you enjoy and accomplishing goals that make you happy improve your confidence and sense of self worth.

Last June I had a crazy idea (with some encouragement from a friend) to do the Tough Mudder obstacle race (12.1 miles), which took me completely out of my comfort zone. I have never been a runner, and have never had the inclination to run yet I thought that I could do this. Let me explain. I had foot surgery in May and during the recovery I was thinking of ways to motivate myself to get into a good exercise routine. A friend of mine told me she was training for the race that was scheduled for October and she convinced me that I could do it. A few months after surgery I found myself on the track, running to my favorite tunes and trying to motivate myself to keep going. So what was it that kept me going?

1. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do anything I set my mind to.

2. I wanted to show my daughter that she can do all things.

3. I wanted to start exercising regularly again.

4. I was determined to have fun in the process and be grateful that I could actually attempt it.

5. It was for a great cause (Wounded Warriors).

Was there a better way to accomplish all of that? Probably, but I was all about the mega challenge and the fun of doing this with a friend. At that point, there was no stopping me. Fast forward to 2 weeks before the race. My friend tells me she's so sorry but she's unable to run. I was so disappointed. What in the world was I supposed to do? I had already trained for months and I was really looking forward to it. That's when I decided I would do it on my own - team or no team, and I did. It was by far one of the 'toughest' and most rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me about courage, endurance, the kindness of complete strangers, faith, committment, overcoming fear, and most of all myself. I had more confidence, I felt more courageous, I was more determined that ever to tackle the difficult (but important) things in my life that, up to that point, seemed insurmountable. Another bonus was that I was able to add that to my gratitude board and remind myself of what I was able to accomplish and how that has prepared me to tackle other challenges. The personal growth I achieved from that experience was invaluable! I would do it again in a heartbeat (just not this year :)

What have you been putting off that you would love to do, but have not been able to complete? What's holding you back? What steps can you take today to overcome any obstacle standing in your way? If fear is your underlying obstacle, in my experience, the best way to combat it is to force yourself out of your comfort zone. I have just appointed myself your honorary cheerleader. I believe in you! You CAN do this!! You deserve happiness and fulfillment.

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." ~Anatole France

If you need some assistance and would like to go deeper in this area, feel free to reach out to me at info@sharissasebastian.com. I'd love to hear from you.

Enjoy this amazing day!

-Sharissa

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