Never Be the Same

So when I was in my late 20's I remember standing in my Sugar-Salem home looking out the kitchen window at the beautiful Grand Tetons. This is something I did often and wasn't out of the ordinary.  However, on this day, it was different. On this day, I remember thinking  and actually saying to myself, "I don't ever want to climb the Tetons." I also decided I didn't want to run a marathon and a few other things.

Hmmm...fast forward a couple years and you will find me atop the Grand Teton. One of the four times I climbed it!  It was an experience that changed me and the direction of my life.  I learned so many things as I took each footstep with my fellow climbers and my vision was expanded beyond my belief.  I was stretched in so many ways. I pondered my mortality in a whole new light. I was inspired and given insight to Who I Am and my purpose.  As I stood on top of those 13,770 feet of magnificence...I knew I was changed...forever!

Fast forward a few more years and you find me running my first 100 mile race...The Pony Express 100! One of three 100 mile events I would do in a calendar year.  Mind you, I had still not run an official marathon at this point. As I camped with my crew the  night before the race and we stood by the fire, I knew something big was about to take place.

The next morning as I toed the starting line, a myriad of emotions filled me. Was I really about to do this? What was I thinking? Excitment beyond measure. 100 miles?!  YES...one step at a time. Again each step brought insight, wisdom, several potty stops behind tiny bushes, growth and perspective...just to name a few.  I learned to depend on my crew, who showed up for me in the most beautiful and unexpected ways.  

As I prepared to cross the finish line, I watched the sun rise for the second time and I knew I would never be the same! Standing at the finish line I could hear the sniffles of my beautiful crew and I felt their love for me and also knew, they would never be the same. 

Since that time several years ago I have made and taken opportunities to Never Be the Same.  In those various experiences I had moments of great fear and intense doubt.  I wondered what the hell I was doing and why I continue to choose to do such things. For me its about limits and testing my mettle and knowing I can do hard things...and in those hard things...I am changed forever and am never the same.

People often ask what I am most afraid of when they hear I am doing a long race or going to a forgein country or whatever crazy thing they think I'm doing.  While the distances present a certain concern, my answer almost 100% of  the  time is, "what  I am most afraid of is what I am going to learn about myself." Hands down, bar none, the scariest thing for me.  Why?  Because I might just find out I Am Way More Amazing than I ever thought I was and I might just have to be responsible for that knowledge.   

So my question to you as we move forward in this year is...Are You ready to Never Be the Same?  It's a biggie and we all say yes, but really...are you?  What things, events or activities are you holding back on? Where are you waiting for a little more preparation? Where are you waiting for the "right" time or to have "enough" money? My friends...the time is now!

Stop waiting and wondering and allowing the scary stories to grow bigger in your heads.  Take action! Do the scary thing and sign up now, have the hard conversation now, trust in yourself...Now! Create a different story. Create a different life...where you actually get what you want, because you just go for it.

I am forever grateful for all those rocky steps that took me to high places and far off finish lines.  I am forever changed and I look forward, still with some trepidation, to more finish lines and the  journey of growth with each step.  Will you join me?

Adventure awaits and is out there for the taking! Get your brave on and take it!

I look forward to seeing the stronger you at the top!

Until Next Time...Go BE Great!!!

Jennifer J. Saunders

ButtinGear, Reiki Energy Therapy

Intuitive Life & Transformation Coach

Ace Certified Personal Trainer

Behavior Change Specialist

Everyday Super Hero!