live the life | All Things Gwen

Posts Tagged ‘live the life’

Run Your First 5K

January 6, 2011

My friend, Dan, and I at my first 5K in June 2006.

Running your first 5K is a lot easier than you think. Why? Because whatever may be holding you back is just in your head. No matter what your fitness level, the thought of a race — especially if you’ve never done one before — can be intimidating. You may be unsure of what to expect, but have no fear!

Here are reasons to be confident about your first race:
Everyone is a beginner at some point. When lining up at the starting line, you’ll notice that many “leisure” runners stick to the back of the line. Stand there as well!

People walk and interval run. Not everyone is going to sprint to the finish. You’ll find the runners are at all fitness levels, shapes, sizes and ages. Walk when you must, and jog when you can. Remember, this is your workout and your goal — no one else’s.

You’re supporting the community or a non-profit. Many races are fundraisers. You’re hitting one of your fitness goals and helping others at the same time.

Adrenaline will push you through. Races are exciting. People are cheering for you. You’ll likely do better than you thought.

It’s friendly out there. Some racers will encourage you and talk with you while running. People will give you water. They want you to do well.

You don’t have to win first place. You’ll feel great just from having completed the race.

Now, just get out there. Ask a friend to join you, and pick a race that means something to you. For example, if you have cancer survivors in your family, you may want to complete a race to benefit cancer research.

Also, many races also offer a designated walk or one mile “fun run.” Do some research, sign up and see for yourself. You’ll be doing your first 5K in no time!

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Creating Moments That Last Forever

December 2, 2010

The best things in life are so simple — to me, it’s moments and memories with family and friends. No one can take them away. They keep us forever tied to those who mean the most to us.

Family first
Some of the closest people to me are my cousins. Although half of us are in NJ, and the other half is in Canada, we are like brothers and sisters. My aunts and uncles are like parents to me as well. We spent weeks together in the summers and over holidays — travelling to Virginia, the Jersey shore, camping — and used to stay up all night playing cards, coloring and laughing. We’re the only ones that can laugh about how I flew off the see-saw, into the air and pretty much knocked myself out … how we found some of Uncle Paul’s (real) Easter eggs the following year … and how Sarah used to wear bright red lipstick.

Now that we are older, our time together has shaped how we want to raise our own children. I want my (future) children to have what I had … what I have. A close-knit family is something that my husband and I can always provide — no matter what the economy looks like or whatever else is going on in our lives. It’s a gift that’s free and lasts a lifetime.

Saying goodbye and moving on
A few weeks ago, we buried one of our youngest “sisters” — Margaret. It was a sad, sad day. So unbelievable, especially since we had just been together a few weeks before. She read at my wedding and was glowing — so beautiful, wise and grown up. It was something so unexpected, but the opportunity for me to grow and be strong. In my saddest moments, Margaret helped me do the things I was afraid of … and I did things for her that I am proud of. I spoke at her viewing, touched her hand, shoveled dirt on her grave and visited the place where she passed away.

Margaret’s death taught me to live life with no regrets, to be thankful for family, memories and moments. It reminded me how precious and short life is, and to live it to the fullest. During that time, I also learned how to let go and forgive.

I’m so thankful that shared moments together that will stay with me forever.

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Back and Better Than Ever

November 22, 2010

Wow, it’s been a looooong time. Too long. Sorry.

Well, I have good news. I’m back and better than ever. Why/How? I’ve had so many life-changing experiences since the last time I blogged. There were so many that I was really distracted and had to find myself again.

I lost my job. It was a good thing, actually. I was free from the stress, toxic environment and immoral leadership that I didn’t agree with. It was an emotional roller coaster. When I got let go, I questioned myself, my abilities, the next step. I went through stages of letting go and acceptance, but I also needed to regain faith. I stopped doing things I loved — I stopped writing.

I got married. After our 10-month engagement, I had the best day of my life. Things were exactly how I wanted it. I was surrounded by family and friends. It was amazing. However, it was really stressful … but all worth it.

My cousin passed away. Three weeks after she read at our wedding … after we were all together as a family … she passed away. I never felt so devastated before. Never experienced grief, pain, forgiveness like that before. She was such a beautiful 22-year-old.

Life now
I’m back and I’m happy and feeling great. I’m so thankful for the people I have in my life. My husband, my parents, my brother, my cousins, my friends …

My goal now with my blog is to be even more personal. Honestly, I started it because I needed to force myself to be positive. My old job was really draining me emotionally, and I tried to smile and make the most of it. But, I’m human. I have bad days. I question myself, and I have doubts. I used to write all happy things, lessons and inspiration. But now, I’m going to be even more real. I’m going to talk about the pain of losing a cousin, about letting go of the past, forgiving people, things that scare me. I truly believe that the more open you are with yourself and with others, the more rich your life will be. People love you. They will love you at your best and worst times.
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