Realistic Expectations

We adopt realistic expectations of others.  And those are the expectations we owe ourselves.
Far easier said than done.

Make Realistic Goals

When the temperatures dipped into the 20s twice this week, I was so glad that I had set a realistic running goal for 2014.  Houston rarely gets temps that cold, so I opted to skip those two days and resume running in more palatable temperatures.  Had I not set my goal to allow for some yucky weather, early meetings and other conflicts, I could have become frustrated early in the year and abandoned the goal.  However, even with 2 missed days, I'm still on track and quite motivated to achieve my annual mileage.

Goals need to be ambitious, but realistic.

Gifts of Christmas

Two dear friends and I walked and talked early this morning.  One friend recently lost her husband to cancer and she is now recovering from an accident that has impaired her mobility.  She confided that she wasn't in the Christmas spirit.  As much for myself, as for her, I shared that she had the true gift of Christmas in her faith, love and positive outlook.  Most importantly, she has the true gifts of Christmas, despite the reality that she is not enthusiastic about the external trappings of the Christmas season. And sharing those would be gift enough for those who matter!

Real?

I'm reminded of the wonderful childhood classic, The Velveteen Rabbit, as I wonder when one becomes a real runner.  Experts tell us that good habits are established and bad habits are broken in three weeks.  Today was my 21st consecutive day of running.  Achieving that milestone prompted a trip to a running store to be fitted for running shoes to replace my cross trainers.  When I posed the question about real runners, my dear multi-marathon finisher friend told me tonight that I am a real runner.

Three weeks, new shoes and a marathoner's endorsement have given me the confidence to consider myself a real runner.

 In other areas, the love of a child, the support of a friend or the belief in ourselves also make us real. 

Rain, Rain Come and Stay

Yesterday, Houston got nearly 3" of much needed rain.  Our drought is pronounced with precipitation 22" below normal.  Though it's common to hear complaints about rain on weekends, only gratitude was expressed on this particular weekend.  Rather than the childhood rhyme, "Rain, Rain Go Away, Come Again Another Day", Houston should modify this classic.  I propose "Rain, Rain Come and Stay, We Need You Here for Many Days".

We often complain about minor inconveniences, and don't always fully appreciate that they are actually in our best interest.  Most of us accept sporadic rainfall as one these minor inconveniences.  Sometimes it takes a drought to make us appreciate the reality that into healthy environments a good bit of rain must fall.

Sometimes a 2 and a 10 are the Same

When playing Hearts it doesn't matter if you catch a 2 or a 10.  Both cards are worth one point. Bigger isn't always better.  It doesn't matter if we get to school or work 2 minutes or 10 minutes before we're expected.  We're on time.  And it doesn't matter if we are 2 minutes or 10 minutes past starting time.  We're late.  It doesn't matter if we get 2 or 10 college acceptances or job offers.  We can only accept one choice that is right for us.

In our competitive society, it helps to know when a 2 and a 10 are the same.

Snow or White

In February, I was accosted by an unexpected snow and ice storm that shut down the Little Rock airport.  The beauty of the winter storm provided a gorgeous blanket of white. A few short weeks later, the same road trip provided another checker-board of white.  This trail of white harkened spring! Though one could assume that trees covered in white meant another snowstorm, reality reveals that these white blossoms welcome spring!