As I understand it, a good runner trains herself by running against another who is faster and stronger, someone who is better. It might be easier, and perhaps good for the ego, to run against someone who is equal to you or not as fast, but simply put, it does not maximize growth or encourage self-improvement.
Now, I am no runner, but this concept makes sense to me and I apply it in many areas of my life. One of the defining areas of growth is my thirties has been my ability to accept my imperfections and locate and learn from other strong women and men who are more skilled in these areas. Admittedly, I align myself with more women than men, but as I see it, they are running the same race as I am, albeit with different running shoes and maps.
In matters of parenting, I often seek out the advice and experience of my own Mom. She is always willing to share her thoughts and never seems to expect that I apply them as directed, but gives me time to interpret her suggestions and convert them into my own parenting strategies. When it comes to all things professional, I look to two trusted colleagues and dear friends: 1) Monty has a passion for teaching and learning that is contagious and she understands the inner workings of the school board in an awe inspiring way. 2) Carrie is a master at developing sincere relationships within her classroom and knows how to balance happy teaching and a fulfilled life. From time to time, I need help understanding my husband, so I look to my cousin, Bean. Although 3 years younger than me, she always knows what to say and how to talk me down. And then there are the brilliant and talented health professionals who keep me in touch with my body and grounded in healthy choices, my chiropractor Dr. Kara and my massage therapist, Jamie. Talking to another person about your body’s physical journey through pregnancy, hypothyroidism, the approach of middle age (yikes!) and stress creates a special bond and although these two women are not exactly my friends, I secretly feel we could be. We would be a killer threesome of fun if combined with a glass of wine, a Saturday evening and a 90s Songza playlist! Lastly, I am so blessed to have Pastor Ina in my life. I have known this woman since I was 20 and she has never shown me anything but love, admiration and acceptance. When my grandmother died last year, it was Ina’s kindness and ability to “show up” that gave me a spiritaul foundation to push on.
These are the women that I run against, except it’s not a competition. And I always end up winning because these women help me run faster, farther, longer, stronger and better.
(*Names have been changed but if I wrote about you or someone you know, you should be able to crack the code. Wink wink.)
iamsomeonesmother 