One Balanced Life

This week I laughed out loud at two remarkably similar stories. First, I heard a bit Bill Cosby did for one of the late night shows. He spoke of walking and how he felt strong and powerful as he strode down the street, arms pumping, and body erect...until he looked over and saw his shadow hunched over, slumping along, barely moving (the story was obviously much funnier when he told it). A day or two later my hair stylist filled me in on her running of the TC Marathon and how at the end she felt as if she was running like the wind...and then she saw the video footage in which she seemed to be barely jogging. I laughed at both the stories because I have felt the same way when I've passed my reflection and realized I'm not the Olympian I am in my mind. Inevitably, I don't feel as strong or fast after catching the glimpse. Makes me wonder how often we let outside perceptions affect how we move in the world. How often we tell ourselves I can't do that or I'd look stupid, slow, ugly, crazy, incompetent, silly, or whatever it may be. We all have those shadows that creep up and whisper negative things. I say do what Bill Cosby did....tell your shadow to go lie down on the bench and stride powerfully away. Believe in yourself and who you are in your mind. It is much more fun.