Today is the first day. A first day for all new things and new possibilities! When I wake up and get my leg on I realize that this is who I am, now and forever. I also realize that anything can happen. This morning I started my day differently, I put on my running blade. Today was the day, I was going outside, pushing fear aside and running…. for real! What you need to know about me is that I am a perfectionist and I like to challenge myself ALL THE TIME! However, fear can be crippling and although I’ve had my running blade for about a month and a half I’ve only really walked on it. I mean, yeah, I did a few “joggy” steps (I call them leaps) and only late at night when no one would see me. I mean, what if I looked silly? Worse yet, what if I fell?? In front of people!! No way, not me. I never wanted to have people see me NOT succeed. Well, I realized that without failure there can be no success. We cannot learn by successes and if I truly want to be transparent (One of my words for the year) then I surely need to swallow pride and be real, be me in the moment.
Now, what I have learned from being transparent, thus far, in this juncture of my life is that I can motivate others. People relate to “real”, they connect with transparency. If I want to reach others, share my story, and show there is hope to tragedy and setbacks, then I must walk the walk.
Today, when I woke and decided to put on my running blade instead of my walking leg, I made a conscience decision to put it all out there and go All In! I must tell you, my stomach churned and my fears were high. I actually walked around in front of my house about 10-15 minutes before I decided to go for it. Was it pretty? NO! Did I run a long distance? No! Did it hurt? In more ways than you’ll ever know. But I did it! I stopped several times to rest my leg but I would start up again. Sometimes I’d tell myself, “Get to the end of the block, you can do that. Don’t stop til you get there.” That positive self talk was powerful. Baby steps the whole way. Normally, I’d be frustrated with myself for being so weak but I have a clearer vision for myself than I have ever had before. I have a God who has been beside me throughout this whole journey, and what a journey it has been!
I am proud of what I accomplished today because it was more than the day before. Tomorrow I will wake and there will be new possibilities for me, new goals to set and break, and a glorious God to praise for all that he has done for me out of His great love.
I hope to see you back here as I unpack how all this started for me over 6 1/2 years ago.
Leave a comment, share this with someone you know who needs encouragement. I pray that you find my story helpful in some way.
God Bless!
Angie
Stepping out in Faith 
Angie,
I gave known you since 7th grade and you have always been determined and goal oriented-that’s who God made you to be..the way you were made in his image with your unique gifts and talents has all led you up to this stage in your life.. This grit with your undeniable faith in Him are such an inspiration to me and so many. I admire your ability to put aside your ego to be real to share your story and to encourage others. You are such a blessing!
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Jody, this means so much to me. I’m so glad we’ve reconnected and live close enough to actually get together. I’m grateful for you being back in my life and pray that God continues to bless you and your family.
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