March 23, 2007
the little people
i was just over at robb's blog and he mentioned one of those numerous "10 reasons not to run a marathon" and other "don't do it" articles of the same ilk. this week, crn had a great quote that sums up my feelings on the subject:
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. —Mark Twain
when i read those articles, the "don't do it" ones, i immediately think about how small those people are. little, tiny, miniscule, with the most limited horizons possible.
after i ran my first marathon, i was amazed at what i had just been able to train for and accomplish. then, this february, i was blessed with the great opportunity to run my first ultra, and since completing it, some amazing things have happened. my horizons have expanded. after seeing what the body is capable when it comes to long, endurance events, my view of the world has changed. long course triathlons seem reasonable, other ultras seem enticing, centuries beckon me, and when i look at the plethora of trails, paths and ways that this great blue marble has to offer, well, i feel like a kid in a candy store.
the realm of what is possible is so limited and tiny to those little people. don't let them steal your candy. grab it by the handfuls and enjoy, no, RELISH those expanded horizons. because our bodies are built for flight, our brains crave challenge, and we can only grow by being active. people, you CAN and ARE great. show those little people just how tall you are.
Comments
Right on!
Posted by: darrell at March 23, 2007 2:15 PMRunning teaches me a lot about testing my limits, and I've stretched my limits in so many directions with what I've learned. I'm like a snowball rollin' downhill :) (pun intended)
Posted by: Karen in Calgary at March 23, 2007 4:21 PMYES! Well said, sir - very well said.
Posted by: 21stCenturyMom at March 23, 2007 6:09 PMThanks for reminding us about the power of positive thinking and positive people. I needed it right about now.
Posted by: Anne at March 23, 2007 6:10 PMI totally agree! I needed this post to remind me that I *can* do anything I put my mind to! Thanks Jeff!
Posted by: Karin at March 24, 2007 7:36 AMSee my blog header!
Posted by: Meghan at March 24, 2007 6:46 PMAwesome post!
Posted by: Elizabeth at March 25, 2007 2:56 AMWell said Jeff!
Posted by: Jack at March 25, 2007 9:23 PMexcellent stuff, jeff. let's show them up.
Posted by: Thomas at March 26, 2007 3:19 AMAmen, brother!
Posted by: jeanne at March 27, 2007 12:39 AMPreacher...you nailed it! Thanks for the plug and the little kick in the pants. Awesome.
Posted by: Robb at March 29, 2007 3:11 PMAmen, brother.
Posted by: Greg at March 30, 2007 12:02 PMAmen, brother.
Posted by: Greg at March 30, 2007 12:03 PMlove this post!
Posted by: suzanne at April 1, 2007 9:30 AMnow we have a mission too. save the little people!
Posted by: david at April 1, 2007 12:20 PMThanks Jack Handy! J/k
No, for real, thanks for reminding us all that we are great!
Posted by: amy at April 4, 2007 8:03 AMHmmmm, I was just having this conversation with my 5th grade son today. He has a girl who is a very big bully to him, sassing and being catty and all that negative energy. So our latest way to engage her is by mentally disempowering her by coming up with new 'small people' ways of thinking about her. The last few mornings, we have decided to have a nice day with 'the molecular pink jellyfish' or the 'sticky ameba' or today the little creature in an airport locker (we just watched Men in Black 2) on whom you can shut the door at anytime...
...great encouragement!
Posted by: janelle at April 4, 2007 10:22 AMI had never heard that quote before but believe in it greatly. I believe I am able to do more because I don't allow others to limit my abilities. God gave them to me, they didn't. Phil 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Posted by: *tc at April 5, 2007 10:18 AMLove it! Grab that candy (just don't steal if from the hands of babes).
Don't ask me where that came from. I'm hopped up on DayQuil. :P
Posted by: Tammy at April 5, 2007 6:27 PMJeff, you rock! You are so right about this. If I had listened to everyone who told me "you can't do that" man I wouldn't have accomplished anything in my life time. People saying I can't do something just makes me want to go out to do just to prove them wrong.
Posted by: Dawn - Pink Chick at April 7, 2007 5:01 PM