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Fresh footprints in the snow

This morning I had a he _ _ of a time getting out of bed to do early morning cardio and strength training. I was pushing my minimum of 6 hours of sleep and had every excuse in the book of why this was not an option.

You know the internal voice that starts in when your alarm goes off and all you want to do is stay tucked under the warm covers. “I have too much work; speeches to give; I am not getting enough sleep; it’s cold outside; no one but me will ever know; I’ll do it tomorrow…” freshsnow

Well, I dug deep and told myself it was not an option to NOT do it. And so, dress for early morning cardio in Minnesota winter, I did. I bundled. And I am so glad I did!

It was an absolutely gorgeous morning. I started out before sunrise and was the only one on the path. Guided by the warm glow of the street lights, I put one foot in front of the other. It was snowing ever so lightly and everything was covered with a fresh, thin white blanket of snow. Not enough to cause a problem, just enough to be breathtakingly beautiful and make everything feel fresh and new. “Ahhhhhhh, hello morning walking/cardio…how I have missed you.”

I breathed deep and cleared my mind. I let my worries go and smiled as I started out power walking at a pace I am not sure I have yet achieved, certainly not in the snow. “I’ve  totally got this!”

snowtracksSuddenly, without even thinking about it, I was running. I ran intervals for some time. Now I was getting in fasted state cardio first thing in the morning and some sprints, and it felt great. My knees didn’t bother me but I knew I should not run long distances on the pavement against my doctor’s and trainer’s advice. So intervals of run and power walk I did.

As the snow lightly fell, I looked to the sky and grinned from ear to ear. “This is the life. I am so incredibly grateful….for mornings like this… for the ability to walk and run…for everything!”

Then I looked at the path before me and realized: “I am the trailblazer.”

There were no footprints in the snow. I was the first to make tracks in a fresh, clean, white blanket. Indeed, a trailblazer. I can make a crooked path, venture off on a side path, or forge straight ahead without the benefit of knowing what lies around the bend. Cool!

snowpathThe truth is, I have been blazing new trails in my life for the past two years. I am traveling on new paths and in new ways, and often have no idea why lies ahead. I have pushed past fear and self doubt, and now venture forth with self awareness, self acceptance, confidence and courage. And with loads of excitement and optimism! I am on a path of love. Love of discovery, love of what I will do with my life moving forward, and simple love of the exploration. Indeed, I am a happy trailblazer.

What an awesome feeling. How inspiring to know that anything and everything is possible – every opportunity, every learning, every love – all ahead of me. I don’t know exactly what to expect, and I know full well there will be bumps along the way and I will most likely slip and fall. But just as sure as I know that, I know that I will get right back up, dust myself off and be stronger for it. I will venture out, dare greatly, live and be!

As I came down the home stretch, I thought about my new year thus far (two weeks in and it has been great). I held with me in spirit all of the amazing people that I have had the opportunity to support and coach in their transformation journeys. I imagined their footprints at first behind me following along and then along side mine in the snow. As clear as the painting hanging in my living room, I pictured the clean slate, my footprints forging new ground and theirs behind me, then theirs along side mine, and then sure enough theirs passing me and forging ahead – breaking new ground!

I smiled, laughed out loud actually, and realized that some day very soon these amazing and daring individuals will blaze their own trails and some of them will forge ahead and pass me up. They will go in different directions and others will follow them. Wow. So cool. So empowering.

I am making a difference. And they are inspiring me. Each day as I see them get clear about what they want and why they are doing this, put themselves in the equation, stand in their own power, take big risks, dare greatly in endeavors of love and life, and learn to love themselves and accept who they are. There is NOTHING better than this feeling.

Now tears well up in my eyes as I realize, these incredible people – some who are just starting out and perhaps today struggling to keep up – will one day very soon be inspiring, teaching and coaching others! They will go on to change lives, theirs, mine and so many others. And for now, it is me they are inspiring and filling up and keeping forging new ground.

So this morning, I got to make fresh footprints in the snow.

I started my day with an awesome cardio experience AND a fresh perspective. And I brought with me all of the incredible people that I am coaching who inspire me in their strength, courage and determination. I simply can’t wait to see what new trails are blazed next and by whom. This group knows exactly who they are and I want them to know they inspire me. I believe in them. And I can see the fresh footprints in the snow that indeed are theirs.

 

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11 Comments Post a comment
  1. Congrats Lori!
    I struggled the same this morning, but then I actually thought of you! I got up and trekked to the gym, my car making fresh tire marks in the snow 😉 and got in there! You’re right, it feels SO good once you’re doing it. You’re such a rockstar, especially for fitting in this great post 😉 The reward is always better than the reasons we find that can sell ourselves short.. You deserve it all, xo

    January 16, 2013
    • Go Justine! What I should have included in my blog post was how darn cute my hair is thanks to my ROCKIN hair stylist whom I adore! I felt particularly cute today with my new hair. So glad you posted and kudos to you for getting out there and getting it done. Big hugs! 🙂

      January 16, 2013
  2. Jean Voxland #

    You are such a great writer! You are so gifted and talented with words. It is so fun to read your posts because you say things I sometimes think but in a very creative way. I too have trouble getting the exercise I need. It takes a bunch of determination to get it in and when I do, I never regret it! I like the trail blazer thing! That is great. Love it.

    January 16, 2013
    • Awwhhhhhhh, thanks my dear. Sending big virtual hugs across the miles. You are one determined sister so I know you will always get it done. Thanks for continuing to support me. I adore you. XXOO

      January 16, 2013
  3. amazing post. you are in inspiration to so many. BLAZE ON, COACH. thanks for continuing to share your journey.

    January 16, 2013
    • Hi there sweetie. YOU inspire me. You are gonna rock this year and get this done and go on to help so many people. It is indeed my pleasure to accompany you on this path. Can’t wait until we talk again. And better, until I meet you in person. 🙂

      January 16, 2013
  4. Lori Martin #

    I can just see you, head thrown back, with a big laugh…..
    You are so right, some will always follow, some with split off, some will push ahead (and yes, may even pass you by), and some may take another journey, but YOU will always be their inspiration and leader, the one who taught them that it’s ok to TAKE the first step, that everything begins with just that, a first step.
    Thank you!!!

    January 16, 2013
    • Thank you for the post darlin. You know I adore you. This is YOUR year. 🙂 Thanks for your ongoing enthusiastic support. It, and you, mean the world to me!

      January 16, 2013
  5. Dollie Twigg #

    This is awesome, Lori! The link to your blog was given to me by Lori Martin, who is a big inspiration to me! I want so much to lose weight and get healthy, and I need to surround myself with people who have the same goals. I am weak, and just starting, but can grow and get strong by following the example of successful women like you, Lori Martin, and my new fb friend, Diane Carey! :):):)

    January 16, 2013
    • Hi Dollie, What a pleasure to meet you via my blog and Facebook tonight. I am sooooooo glad you reached out and thank you for your kind comments. Lori Martin rocks and as a team we’re a pretty powerful duo so YES – let us know how we can support you in your journey. I KNOW that if I can do it, you can do it. Thanks for checking in and let us know how you are doing and how we can help. You’ve totally got this! 🙂

      January 16, 2013

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