Reach for the Stars…

Early morning on April 20, 2010, I lay quietly in bed so as not to wake Mike—barely able to contain myself.  Today had special significance, it was my 53rd birthday.  Rather than dread this approaching day, I was hungry with anticipation.  I quietly rolled down the covers, slipped into my robe and tip toed into the kitchen.  I filled the tea kettle with water and eagerly waited for the sound of the whistle. If there’s one thing I love in the wee hours of the morning, it’s having a cup of hot tea while writing down my thoughts.  I poured the steaming water over my favorite tea, walked upstairs and sat down at the desk.  My goals for the coming year had been swirling around in my head for several days, but I resisted writing them down until now.
 
I’m a big believer in setting goals—small goals, big goals and outrageously lofty goals.  You know the kind I’m talking about—the ones others would think ridiculously impossible to obtain.  Those are the best ones–“Reach for the Stars” type goals. 
 
I sipped my tea while listing each goal, one by one…
1)  Run in three half marathons.
2)  Be a better person by:  being more patient, kinder, a better listener, a risk taker, volunteering more often…
3)  Visit my daughter in the summer.
4)  Improve my website by making it more creative, fun and informative.
5)  Make a workout DVD.
6)  Write a cook book…I already have the recipes in mind.  A lot of work ahead! 
     This is the kind of work I’m passionate about.
7)  Get a six-pack.

 Yes, you read it right—I want a six pack.  Why?  Abdominal muscles are one of the hardest muscle groups to develop…and it gets even more difficult as we age.   I LOVE A CHALLENGE!!  The first time I thought about running in a half marathon, it seemed like a million miles away.  But I did it.  I’ve heard it before, “You’re in your 50’s…you just don’t have the ability to…”  I will have a six pack by years end. 
 
I listed twenty new goals, took one last sip of tea— feeling a little sad that this much anticipated occasion was over.  Then, a big smile came across my face, as it was time to start on a new and exciting journey…it was time to “Reach for the Stars!”  Quietly, I tip toed back in the bedroom, opened my undies draw and tucked my list safely away. 
 
Now, it’s your turn to ”Reach for the Stars.”  Click here to begin.
 
Gale Compton