I didn’t know that when I was searching for a charity for the Chicago Marathon I would find the cause that would change my entire attitude. I had no plans to run Chicago and to be honest I had no desire to ever run this race. But after a rough couple of months and a lot of deep thinking, I decided that I needed to run Chicago to make a statement to myself. I needed to show myself that I had changed, that I’ve grown and I’m no longer afraid to be united or stand alone. And then I found Action for Healthy Kids/Team Healthy Kids and everything changed. Building a healthier America starts with our kids.
I’ve run for charity before and have been connected to those charities but this time was different. I requested literature, I read about their projects and just became a sponge for all the information they were providing. It changed me. After it’s all said and done, I know I want to do more, I want to be more and I just want to be involved in this great organization. Team Healthy Kids had a great lunch reception on Saturday and it was great. Everyone was so happy and positive, I really felt at home. I only wish I wouldn’t have been so worried about my lost bag that I could have been a little bit more present.
Dean Karnazes is our team captain and I got the honor of meeting and speaking with him. He said something that really resonated with me during his speech about setting a good example for kids to follow. That is what sparked our weight loss journey, being able to set a strong example for all the little people in our lives. When I got a chance to speak with Dean one on one we chatted about my weight loss story turned running adventure and he told me I am a shining example of turning something negative into something positive. He also told me I need to go around speaking about the journey because hearing it from someone like me makes a bigger impact than hearing it from someone like him.
That was a big moment for me. Talking to him, sharing with him and being inspired by him to just do more. The man ran from LA to New York (in 75 days) to promote healthier habits in schools. That is making an impact and setting an example.
I do want to set a good example. There are times when I do get disappointed in myself because the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do was a make a difference in this world. Sometimes i feel like I fall short of that. I could always be doing, saying and helping more than what I am. There is a fire that is building inside of me that just wants to make a difference and this is where it starts.
Monday I spent the entire day at the airport or on a plane thinking about how I want to make a difference. It just seems right and Action for Healthy Kids came into my life for a reason. I think I’ve found my place, if they will have me. I’m really hoping they will. I want to set a good example for living a healthier life and this is where I begin.
Running for Team Healthy Kids has completely changed me and has manifested into so many more things and ideas. And that is why I said my quest is changing because of the moments I experienced this past weekend. I can’t wait to see how I will make a difference.
My question to you is: how are you setting a good example for others?
