heather's Food bLog

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Goals and timelines

I have had a fantastic new accomplishment!! For the first time EVER, I ran 7 miles!!! Well, I think it's the first time...either way, I did it!! I'm slowly building distance and well on my way to 13 miles. That half marathon is still in my sights. And here's the thing, even if I'm not ready for this one, there will be another one that I can run instead! I'm not giving up on my goal! That's the beauty of goals, they're always there...the only timetables they have are the ones we arbitrarily assign.

Sure, there are plenty of things that I'd like to do before whatever marker of time in my life. The closer I get to 40 though, the less it matters. What I'm finding is important is that I work towards achieving the goals and challenges I set for myself. In the case of running, I care more that I do it on a timetable that is safe for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sure, I can get to 13 miles on a fast-tracked schedule, but at what cost? What price will I pay physically? Would I have any balance in other areas of my life? Without balance, I'll pay mental and emotional prices. Are they worth it?

What about other goals? Is it appropriate to have a deadline? Maybe that depends on the goal. Maybe that depends on the person. For me, for today, the timeline doesn't matter so much as the doing the work that's needed to achieve the goal.

9/3/13

cereal and peaches

pasta fagioli, corn, mixed veggies, and berries

9/4/13

chocolate muffin, Greek yogurt

Mmmm, salad

kung pao chicken, rice, and veggies

9/5/13

berries, Greek yogurt, and a French vanilla muffin

savory chicken, corn, and mixed veggies

apple and baby bel cheese

watermelon and tomato salad

scallops and corn with tomatoes

peaches! with ricotta and strawberries

9/6/13

peaches and Greek yogurt

pasta fagioli, corn, mixed veggies, and berries

Mmm, pizza

9/7/13

Shabu!!! There was also gyoza and edamame

9/8/13

2 eggs, red peppers, onions, ham, cheese and berries

chicken tikka masala, brown rice, mixed veggies, and cauliflower

Monday, September 2, 2013

Just Keep Swimming

Life has been a little bit hectic lately...that usually means that it's time to do the next right thing, whatever the next right thing is. Or, in other words, just keep swimming!

It's an understatement to say that work has been busy and that I've been putting in extra time at the office. It's been difficult and there has been much stress-related crying. What gets me through it? Knowing that the work I do is making a very real difference in the lives of the people I help. Every once in awhile I get to do something or deliver some news that changes someone's life. This past week, for example, I was able to make it possible for a girl to go to college...her family has been having a very rough time and is on the brink of homelessness. To make a college eduction possible for her was not something I did alone, but with the help of many people from across the College. I am confident that this family will always remember me, but more importantly, I am confident that this girl will learn the lesson that help is always there and can come from any source.

My lesson these past few weeks? When I'm overwhelmed with all of my own stuff, just keep swimming. Do the right thing and be of service to others. The help I need will find me.