Perspective

        Take a moment to consider that everything you do in life is driven by your perception of yourself and what you are doing.

We all have different motives for why we pour our energy into the things we do, but it all leads back to how we feel about ourselves and where we see ourselves going. It's kind of like the highways in LA: they twist and wind about each other, but at some point they do come together and lead in or out.  We could want self improvement--reaching as far an wide as our abilities allow. We could want camaraderie--having a good laugh and swapping stories. We could want success--that feeling of elation and accomplishment. This list could take up 2 blogs, but I think you get the idea.

                   Perception changes with the ebb and flow of life. How you go about this world depends on a multitude of factors, namely where you've been and where you're going. Trying to keep a positive outlook on everything is key to making almost any activity more enjoyable. You have to remind yourself of why you are doing what you are doing. It kind of reminds me of a blog I read a while ago, which definitely changed my outlook on training and scholarly pursuits. She said "instead of saying 'I have to do [insert activity here], say 'I get to do this' " It can make even the most mundane of activities have meaning. Feel privileged to be able. Take pride in what you can do, not shame in what you can't. There are amazing people out there who have diseases and are missing limbs, but they still revel in what they can do despite their setbacks, and they are doing it with a big smile on their face. We able-bodied people have a lot to learn from people like them.

                     Putting things into perspective can be hard in the face of failure and disappointment. I know that we've all been there before. Viewing these missteps as a mere stumble and not a fall will help tremendously in the long run. Instead believe in the possibilities, and the opportunity that comes along with failure. Victory tastes sweet once you spit out the dirt (credit to some shirt made by Saucony). We often feel like it's the end, but we should feel like it's the beginning. Life is great in that we can continue to grow with each passing day, and it always has something to teach us. Keep those horizons as broad as possible.

                 Historically, I have been the worst at keeping things in perspective. My mom and I have this saying that "the sun will always come up tomorrow", and it is one of the many reasons that I have a sun tattooed on my ankle. It is the all-encompassing phrase that always comes up when I'm feeling doom and gloom. However, things have started to change. I've found value in my injury from the marathon and my sub-par grades in school last semester. Neither will impact my life as a whole, and all avenues still lead to my dreams and aspirations. It's important to realize that worrying isn't worth it, and it's also important to realize that you are the most able person you know. No matter what you're pursuing, you hold the key to determine your success. Just keep your perspective where it should be, and everything will turn out in the end.