WARNING
I'm about to get all philosophical...
Have you ever stopped to think about what defines you?
I got to thinking about what defines me. It all started when my PT mentioned that another mom would be joining the half marathon training group, and perhaps (just because we are mom types over 40) that we would get along, and not feel so outnumbered and intimitaded by the younger people in the group, most under 30. I was somewhat perplexed by this. Yes, it's nice that someone thinks I will get along with another person and would like us to meet, but being one of the older ones in a group does not bother me. I'm not intimidated. I live with two people in their twenties -- my own kids. I have no age issues as far as getting along with someone. I'm certainly not age-ist. I'm amenable to everyone, and if they get along with me is another story. I have yet to meet this lady. We'll probably get along just fine. Motherhood or age does not define me, nor does it mean I'm going to get along with other women just because we are mothers in a certain age demographic.
Nor am I defined by:
the city I live in
being a dog owner
being a cat owner
my house
my housekeeping
the car I drive
my running
my education
my job
my money
the food I eat
the shows I watch
the music I listen to
my likes
my dislikes
my family
what people think about me
and so on...
Some of these things are just that, things. Some of these things are from the result of who I am, but they still don't define me.
Try Googling "what defines you?" Plenty of people made lists of things they have done and the people in their lives, but it still does not define them. I found this article that seemed to nail it. As it says in the article, it all comes down to being comfortable in your own skin.
That being said, I had a half marathon training workout last night at Rehab United. I kicked some major butt, and surprised some of the young-uns. Sure, they all ran circles around me and left me in the dust, but I could do more pull ups than a twenty-something year old who looked to be in great physical shape. It made my day. Being in my own skin felt really good.
Tuesday's song:
22 - Lily Allen
PEACE
17 comments:
Irene
Loved this post!
/claps
Feel lucky to have met you in person. Hope our paths cross again one day.
Cathy
What a WONDERFUL post!
And Happy Belated Birthday to Erik!
I seem to have come across this question twice today so I decided to think about it....and I'm still thinking! Thanks for asking and putting my brain in gear!
Very good point.
third eye blind.
irene, i couldn't have said it better myself. i have been runminating on this a lot lately.
heh heh heh... my verification word for this post: herhot. :)
great post. I'm not 100% there yet, but I've gotten better :)
Nice post. My kids would be quick to answer this question of what defines you with "I am God's most prized possession" And with that, they *are* comfortable in their own skin. I wish I was as wise as they are when I was a teen...
Damn Irene...you got me to thinking and this is Friday, and I try not to think on Fridays!!!
Seriously though...great post. You certainly are not defined by your age, and as you know, I think that when people meet you, they completely couldn't guess your age anyway. I know I couldn't.
Good for you for kickin' some 20 year old bootie!
GREAT post! I often make the mistake of defining myself to the point that I don't try new things.. I lvoe the idea that the things I do and have are not me..
Way to go on the half training..
Hmmm...thought provoking. That was a good article. I'm finding the older I get, the more comfortable I am in my own skin. I'm more excited about finding people I can run the same pace with than I am about how old they are. As long as they're interesting conversationalists. :-)
So true and so wonderful!
It's easy to identify attributes. But, to define characterisics requires introspection and the maturity to crticize oneself. And that requires work....
Hmm. Water station at mile 23.5? Was that the one on Pacific right where it fgoes under the 5/8? I remember one there. But to be honest, I don't remember much after the big Boy Scout water station on the out and back.
And what's this I see? New course next year? With a half opton?
The article touches on something you experienced: how we define ourselves is not necessary how others would define us. We all have an egocentric view of our worlds and other people. Glad you showed those 20-year-olds you can still kick butt.
Interesting post. I'm not sure what defines me. In fact, I'm not even sure what "defining myself" means. You've got me thinking now...
This is a fascinating post! I totally agree...I don't think you need to "fit" into any category to get along with people or to get through life. Great workout!
you're definitely a butt-kicker! i enjoyed reading your post.
Thanks everyone!!!!!
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