This morning I ran the half marathon I spent the last 10 weeks training for. Like any goal worth working toward, this accomplishment took a great deal of dedication, determination and perseverance. There were days I didn't want to get out of bed early to train. There were days I questioned why I had committed to a second half marathon. But then there were moments when I realized I was exactly where I needed to be--during amazing training runs or this morning when my heart was light, I had a grin on my face and I knew I was going to hit the goal time I had spend weeks focused on. I knew every ounce of dedication I put toward my goal taught me something new about myself.
I once read that the things we should focus on accomplishing are the ones that scare us the most. Think about it. If something is worth doing, it usually can't just be handed to you. You have to step outside your comfort zone, test yourself and learn who you are. The greatest experiences will challenge you and push you to new levels you may not have even thought possible. Life is full of these experiences, both small and large. If you take advantage of them, you will never stop growing as a person. You will be a well-rounded, more inspirational individual.
Don't fear that which challenges you. Embrace it. Each day, learn something new about yourself. Run the race. Take the class. Start the conversation. Ask the question. Jump.
You'll never know where the road will take you.