It begins...

Today I received a very special package. One that I've been waiting for, for about a week now. A package that I feel is going to change my life. As I was headed downstairs to do some laundry, and a little walking on the treadmill while I waited for the laundry, I opened the door and there it was. My Welcome package from the Susan G. Koman 3-Day for a Cure foundation. I squealed, audibly squealed, and dropped my laundry bag! I rushed back inside, and very carefully tore it open...I knew there was a promise ring in there, and more than anything I wanted to put that ring on my finger immediately. When I put that amazing piece of pink rubber on my finger, that was it, I was hooked. I, at that moment, knew that what I had been mulling over in my brain, was what God's plan was for me. I ran over to the computer, hoping Julie was online...I couldn't wait to tell her it had arrived! She was on, and agreed with me that it was a SIGN (I'm not much of a 'working out' kind of girl). I got some advice from her as to how exactly I should begin my training, and then continued on my journey downstairs to the treadmill. My goal for today was to walk at least an hour, and I wanted to walk at least 3 miles in that hour. Julie told me to make sure that I took it nice and slow...it's not a race, it's about endurance and distance, not speed. I kept wanting to speed it up (especially when Poker Face came on...and truth is, I did speed it up for Miss Gaga, how could you not??) but I just kept Julie's words in my mind, and focused on how my body and feet were feeling. My mind was all over the place (with nothing but a white wall to look at)...Julie and her amazing commitment to this cause. The recent loss of Nanny. The fact that I don't have anyone in my family, or friends, that has ever suffered from breast cancer. I have been so blessed, in that respect. Most of the loss I have suffered, personally, has been from loved ones dying simply of old age. I mean, if you live long enough, something's going to get you, right? Of course, there are exceptions...but that isn't what this is about. What I was thinking of was all of those women who HAVE suffered from this disease, those that have passed and those that have survived. All of their loved ones. All of the people, like me, that just want to support and help, without having experienced the loss first hand. I thought of Aaron, who one night said to me exactly what I needed to hear: We were both feeling bad, about life, and he suggested I start running. Umm...yeah, I don't do that. But what he said was this "We'll do it together, and help each other to have something to feel good about" And in that moment, I knew that he was someone that I could depend on, that understood how I felt, and was exactly the kind of motivation I needed in my life. Not to take anything away from anyone else in my life...it's just that his words, in that moment, spoke to my very soul. It was like a gift from God. And in that moment, I dedicated myself to becoming a better me.
So anyway...the walking workout today was the best I've ever had. I felt like I was filled with love, and determination. And the need to go to the bathroom...something else that will be a challenge for me to work on!! So here is my moment, the moment I reached my goal for today:

In total, I walked for 72 mins, and 3.24 miles
And so my journey has begun...
XOXO