Find Yourself

AH wins the Big-12 1K!
 
Mid-February I was spurred to write down "Find Yourself" in my blog notes.  I knew it would be my next topic, but I tossed this one around for a little bit.  Ok, a long bit.  That was mid-February, and yes, now it's mid-May.  I bought a total fixer upper in the meantime and wrote the next two parts of this mini-series.  I struggled with wrapping this one into a pretty topic, but I won't let this idea die.  Stick with me on these. 

• What do you think helps you "find yourself" or "know yourself" well? 

When I was in college I had a friend, RR, that went on a big pilgrimage.  He did the Camino de Santiago, a long walk, over in Spain.  He was a decent Spanish speaker, but he wanted to do the self-guided two-week walk quietly.  I specifically remember when he said he wanted to "find himself" along the way.  I'm all for self-reflection and it is something I work on, but for me I bet after a couple days, I'd zone out and just walk along step-by-step...slowly. 

Camino de Santiago

I identify so much more with the girl pictured above.  I know AH and helped coach her during her freshman year at OSU.  After this past fall cross-country season, she said she was going to "step it up and just see what could happen."  When asked about her plan going into the race above: "My plan was to win."

• How would you face the pilgrimage and what would you get out of that?
• How would you face the possibility of a big win--one that's been eluding you?
• Do you find more success in 'finding yourself' or 'getting to know yourself' more in times of quiet or when faced with challenges?

I love time to slow down and reflect, don't get me wrong.  I try to do it a couple times per week.  I sit in my green rocking chair and read a Biblical reflection or an essay on ethics and perspective.  I sip a coffee and zone in on the ideas.  Then I write about it.  Writing makes me be accountable and it also is a tool to help me remember ideas more fully.  

I have had the opportunity to jump in some road races again the last few months.  I can't help it, but I love running.  I love how it makes me feel and I fully appreciate how straight-forward a race is, too.  I got away from it for a bit, but my goodness, I love those moments of difficulty and seizing the moment to press onward.  I love to create the challenge and step up to it.  Races are major practices and huge reinforcements.  I have signed up for more.  I know what greatness they serve me.  They help me not only know myself, but get to practice executing my values.