What my "amazing race" experience taught me about resilience.

I hope this teaches you something, too.

Sometimes you do things and don’t understand the depth of your “why” until it is complete.

Because sometimes, bigger lessons unfold along the way.

And then, when you cross the finish line, you look back and say, “Oh. Now I get it!”

This was certainly my experience as I completed 5 ultramarathons from 2013-2017 on Santa Catalina Island.

Yes, 50 miles of running each time. What I learned was invaluable in my resilience and self-leadership.

Here are lessons from my “Amazing Race.”

In 2013, things in my marriage were tense. There were painful moments that bugged the shit out of me, and many things weren't making sense.

Running always cleared my head, so I decided to see if I could run 50 miles.

I needed to find clarity, shift up my life, and figure out if/how I was a source of unhappiness.

AMAZING RACE #1 gave me strength and fortitude.

In 2014, my life hit rock bottom. It was more like hell on earth.

My bottom had turmoil so deep, I wanted to both kill and love the man who betrayed me to my core.

I had little clarity because my emotions took over my life

AMAZING RACE #2 gave me space to be pissed off while I found clarity and mental strength.

In 2015, I was seeing clearly.

I chose to no longer hold others' issues or secrets.

I chose to divorce and move on for both myself and everyone involved. I began a life I love today.

It rained like mad the entire race, yet it was one of my all-time favorites. Nothing could dampen my happiness.

AMAZING RACE #3 gave me hope, love, and excitement for my new life.

In 2016, I felt freedom.

I decided to Live Boldly and start my business, one that had purpose and meaning based on my own values, experiences, and education.

I chose to use what I learned in order to guide others. My life had a new direction and was unfolding. I was simply ... excited and happy.

AMAZING RACE #4 gave me confidence.

In 2017, I ran the race for myself.

I am humbled by the lessons that I have learned from pushing my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries. 250 miles total in 5 years.

I love my crazy tribe of running partners who have lent an ear time and time again. I love the island. I love the people.

This was my journey, and it gave me what I needed to create new and exciting adventures in life.

AMAZING RACE #5 gave me sore abs from laughing so much on the trail.

The depth of laughter that I wondered if it would ever return.

Resilience is a practice that you don’t take for granted. It means getting up every time you fall and doing it again. It means looking at yourself in the mirror and saying, “I’ve got this” time and time again.

Resilience creates a foundation for life.

You will go through hard times again and again, and this foundation gives you what you need to overcome every time.

Resilience is not a one-and-done. It is a forever journey. One that is lined with love, peace, and acceptance for self.

Resilience is based on forgiveness for self, knowing that whatever you do, and however you do it .. There is always a new and healthier choice next time.

I hope these lessons teach you something about your resilience journey, too.

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Hit reply and give me your thoughts on this week's newsletter. 

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Cheers to 2023!

Xo

Sara