Perspective Changes Everything

Perspective

 Tomorrow my plan is to run 15 miles.  Three months ago that would be overwhelming, but since two weeks ago I ran 18 (barely, but I did it) 15 seems maybe  doable.  I think maybe I can run 15 and not have to go to bed the rest of the day.  After a ten mile run last week at a very good pace for me, I think maybe I can run 15 miles and kind of enjoy it.  Yesterday, running an 8:30 mile, I think I can maybe  i can run 15 and do it well. I have a different perspective than I did in June.

 Learning from great philosophers  Flylady, and Bob, I have learned that taking baby steps makes many seemingly  impossible things, possible, in time. So, since mid June, the people at Luke's have planned baby steps for my running group.  We have gained strength, endurance, stamina, and confidence.  All part of the plan to get us ready for our marathon in December.

Baby steps work in areas other than running.  In May, I quit my part time teaching job in search of a full time job.  Applications, up dated resume, reference letters, interviews,- all part of the baby steps to get a new job.  None of which was fun. And, no job materialized. Then for substitute teaching, more baby steps: Several hour seminars, interviews, FBI finger printing, district thumb printing, filling out forms.  But now, I am a substitute in four school systems: two public and two private. ( almost - still have the thumb print to go through)

But how my perspective has changed. The teaching field is different from the what I entered 12 years with my my first teaching job, and so have I. It has gotten more complicated, and surprisingly I have gained some skills  In retrospect,  it was not that bad:  one form, one interview, one appointment at a time.  I just kept doing the next thing, not all at once, but one step at a time.  Break it down.  Complete it, move on to the next.

Just like in running. And house cleaning.  It overwhelms me too.