I Want Further Instructions

 

Some challenges seem greater than our ability to accomplish them.  The note above reads, “Please leave me a fraction of a mm of space between loop and opposing tooth.” A fraction of a millimeter!  What kind of measurement is that? Fractions come in many shapes and sizes – ¼, ½, ¾, 8/10, and 6/3!  Although I understood what the doctor was requesting, I was also frustrated that his instructions were ambiguous. I tend to do that a lot – get frustrated!

Most often my frustrations arise when I feel that I don’t have enough information to make a sure decision.  If only I had more facts, I could make a better choice. If I could just see the finish line … I could get through the challenge! Alas, that is not the way this life works. We are given challenges to help us grow. We are not given all the answers. This allows us to exercise faith.  We make decisions based on the best information we can gather, we listen to promptings from the Spirit, and then we move forward with hope that the decision was wise. 

It’s the first Monday in March.  My husband embarked on a new career today and I can’t see the finish line! I don’t have all the facts, but I have enough information to have faith that we’ve made the best decision we could.  We are moving forward.  I’m learning new things like “How to pack a lunch” and “Set the Wi-Fi on the new iPhone to ON!”

I suppose when we stop learning we stop growing. I’ve often said that change is good because it presents an opportunity for growth. I think that’s great advice to give others! And yet, I hope not to experience too much growth at any one time. 

I don’t have all the answers, but I keep moving forward with hope and gratitude. 
 
Question: What challenges have you experienced that have caused you to grow?  I would love to hear about them in the comments below!

Happy Running!

Guest Blogger: Jane Freund writes about friendship

Meet Jane, this week's Guest Blogger!  Jane Freund is an author, speaker and book coach based in Boise, Idaho - and she is my friend. See what Jane has to say about friendship.

 

A Freundly Investment

Here's a fascinating fact: You have 168 hours in your week (no more and no less). What you do with those hours is based upon the priorities you set. For me, with all of the possible activities I CAN do, one of the activities I know I NEED to do is make a Freundly investment with some of my precious 168. Let me explain more.

Since I was a child, I have had a fascination with friendship. This passion began with the realization that my last name "Freund" means "friend" in German. Although painfully shy as a child, I began a deliberate effort when I was in junior high to become more outgoing and make more friends. The further I delved into friendship, the more interest I developed in the topic. In fact, my first book, "The Fine Art of Female Friendships"  is on the subject of friendships and I continue to write about and speak on the topic.

I define a friend as somebody who strives to put my best interest first and for whom I strive to do the same. Notice that I say "strive" because I don't expect perfection from my friends and I don't want them to expect it from me. Besides, perfection would be boring.

Speaking of boring, the benefits of friendships include getting to know people who are different than yourself. I would be bored if all of my friends were like me. I learn so much by connecting with people who challenge my thinking and teach me things I did not previously know.

Another benefit to friendships is to build a support team. Some of the most functional people I know have built a network of friends to be an integral part of their lives. By doing so, they have a support team of people to help them through illness, grief, family dysfunction and other struggles. When I had thyroid cancer, my friends were an incredible support as I recovered from the surgery and worked to get my synthetic thyroid balanced. (NOTE: You can read more about my cancer journey in my book: "Eggshells and Elephants")

However, the benefits of friendships are not limited struggles. Friends are terrific for sharing our victories and triumphs. My friends have cheered me along through each book I have written and the other personal and professional successes I have achieved.

OK yeah friends are important and all that's good stuff, but how are you supposed to make and to keep friends when you have your precious 168 hours in a week? Books have been written and more are yet to be done on this topic. For now, let me share some tips that have helped me be successful and effective in the friendship department.

-          The seemingly little touches can have the biggest impact - I use texting to share quotes with friends, check in for a quick chat, or otherwise communicate that I am thinking of them.

-          Reach out on social media to give a personal touch - I have a friend who is a math professor. On Facebook, when I find a funny quote or picture related to math, I post it to her Facebook wall. That's one way I show her that I am thinking of her and let her know I am glad she's part of my life.

-          Pray for each other – Part of my precious 168 is taking time to pray and including the requests of those who are near and dear to me only make that blessing even more precious.

-          Make a regular appointment - I have a friend I meet with once a month for coffee. We meet the same day of the month at the same time but change the place every once in a while. By having a consistent meeting set, we increase the likelihood that we're able to get together. Sometimes life happens and we can't meet but that's where daily forgiveness kicks in and we move on.

-          Take personal responsibility – Saying "I am sorry" or "Please forgive me" are two ways to strengthen existing friendships or repair ones that are damaged. In a "just saying" society, taking personal responsibility can be very refreshing.

Certainly, friendships (AKA "Freundships") can be time consuming and take away from your precious 168. However, doing so can produce results that make the efforts very worthwhile. I challenge you to learn more about how to make friends and the benefits of such friendships. Better yet, make a Freundly investment in your current and future friendships. What are you waiting for?

Jane Freund is an author, speaker and book coach based in Boise, Idaho. She has written or co-written 16 print, audio and electronic books including "Best Friend Worst Enemy – Overcoming Self-Sabotage in YOUR Life" and "Wily Riley the Coyote Conqueror". Her latest book, "One Breath Closer to Heaven" will be available in November. Previously, Jane taught Communication for ten years at Boise State University. Her books can be found at http://bit.ly/visitjanefreundsonlinebookstore (if you want to support local business) and Amazon.You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/janefreundauthorspeakerandbookcoach

Last week's Guest Blogger, Jennifer, wrote about "ME" time.  Read it here.

Happy Running!

 

 

Runner’s Greetings

Music in my ears!

I went for a run today all by myself. I do that often this time of year, mostly because I can’t commit to a time frame. I am too busy waiting for the weather to improve or my courage to build. When I run alone, I use music to keep me company. When I run with friends, they keep me company. There is too much chatting to be bothered with music.

I am a rural runner and therefore I don’t encounter too many others afoot. A few autos passing by get a nod or a wave, but for the most part it is usually a solitary run. On the occasion that I do see another individual out and about there is always a friendly exchange. At least, I think it is friendly. My music muddies the waters a little. The exchange goes something like this:

The passerby smiles, waves and moves his lips.

I reply, “Yes, it is nice to finally see some sun,” or “Thanks! I will,” or some other comment that may or may not have anything to do with what they said to me. 

I pondered this while on my run today, mostly because it happened today. When the fellow with the white beard made a comment I replied with, “Yes, it’s great to see the sun,” and then wondered if he had asked me how far I was going or if I was crazy. (The crazy question comes up a lot!) I came up with a solution to my communication problem. It’s kind of like being prepared for unexpected company – but different. Whenever I meet another walker, runner, or farmer that slows down to chat, I am going to smile, wave, and say … “Great day for a run!” How can they argue with that?

Question:  Do you have a generic comment you use when you didn't really hear or weren't really paying attention?  Share it in the comments below.


Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

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