Run, Rise, Repeat: Celebrating the Woman You Are
As women, our journeys are like intricate patchwork quilts, each stitch a moment, each thread a story. We’ve faced challenges, endured pain, and celebrated triumphs. Just like a runner pushing through tough miles, we’ve found strength in perseverance.
Our lives are a blend of vibrant shades – the joy of victory, the warmth of camaraderie, the determination to overcome. But also, there are shadows – moments of doubt, fatigue, and injury. These darker shades, though challenging, contribute to the rich tapestry of our experiences.
Like the interconnectedness of quilt squares, we are bound together as runners. We share a common language of sweat, grit, and the exhilaration of crossing finish lines. Together, we form a powerful community, supporting, inspiring, and lifting each other up.
There was a time in my life when I believed that being a woman was a handicap. I thought it made me weak and vulnerable. On this journey of recovery, I started waking up to the light of life. In this process I became acutely aware of the contributions and wonderful qualities of women in my life. From relatives, to friends, to public figures, I was surrounded by incredible women who persist in a world that limits them.
To me, being a woman means being able to be powerful and assertive, yet kind and nurturing at the same time. It means being compassionate and vulnerable towards those we love in our lives without feeling weak for doing so. It means striving for our goals even in the face of the adversity. What I have learnt more than anything is that a large part of this is achieved through a strong female support system that encourages us to be our best selves. I have most certainly found this in the running community.
I am no longer a bird with a broken wing that needs someone to scoop me up and fix me. I am a woman that is strong, that is a force to be reckoned with and I will make a difference in this world through the strength of connection to others.
On this Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the beauty of our diverse journeys. Let’s acknowledge the challenges, embrace the triumphs, and find strength in our shared experiences. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with.
CHEERS TO THE WOMEN WHO NEVER STOPPED TRYING ONE MORE TIME. YOU TAUGHT ME WHAT ENDURANCE THROUGH LOVE AND VULNERABILITY REALLY IS!
