Applying the Physical to the Emotional Play Ground

Hi! I felt this post appropriate to share as I've had a few ps inquire about my running triathlon journey coupled with my own 'a-ha' moment this week...

I believe I'm in the process a transformation. At least that’s what if feels like. And what that entails exactly is still up in the air- because I’m in the middle of it all right now (I know, don’t we all sorta feel this way?) What I do know is that I’ve been on this journey for a while-like years. And as I look back I realize it began in the form of the physical self about six years ago. That’s when I first got clear on how my body was currently showing up in life and that it didn’t align with my true potential. I wasn't necessarily overweight, but I wasn't at my healthy strong weight either. So I began the work to treat it better. I ate better. I gave my body exercise. I modified portions and I started giving it the respect it deserved. The efforts paid off and I felt like I was beginning to show up as my true self.

I was then blessed with a twin pregnancy….

Fast-forward one year after birth and I continued my physical transformation. (Yes, twin birth itself is one major physical transformation, but that’s for another post…) 

I embraced my first triathlon-training program and experienced first hand the power of my possibility through pushing my physical limits. The range of feelings experienced through my training ranged from pure elatedness to downright pain. Highs and lows and all the confusing ones in between- that’s what you get with running and triathlon training.

And talking about my emotions as they related to my training was a comfortable entry point in discussing uncomfortable emotions. I could express frustration over a disappointing work out, or my numb confusion with a poor swim time. Experiencing these uncomfortable feelings in my training was an easier way to express because my body- legs, lungs, arms could justify and feel that emotion.

And here I am six years later, and I realize my physical transformation has been the groundwork to grant myself permission to embrace an emotional one. One that includes learning to express those same myriad of uncomfortable feelings in all areas of my life- not just when related to training. Because it's hard for me to give a voice to my feelings when I'm sad, hurt, frustrated or uncomfortable with something, especially when I don't have a physical pain associated or attached to it.  

So what does this all mean? No, I'm not becoming Debbie Downer over here. I'm simply bringing more awareness to the uncomfortable emotions in all areas of my life-not just in physical training. Because living life fully includes experiencing all emotions in life- not just the high or easy ones.  And I am giving myself permission to ask for support, compassion and help- just like I would with my triathlon training.  


Oh, and I'm getting out of my own way to allow it to happen...or at least trying to.

Thanks for listening friends;)