The “Starting Line” demons and finding balance

People aren’t looking for perfect, they are inspired by the willingness to show up and try.

It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to truly connect with you all. If I’m honest, life has been a bit of a blur. We often talk about the busyness of life as something to be avoided but I’ve been right in the thick of it. Between being a mum, continuing my coaching and staying dedicated to my own running, I also stepped into a new arena last year as a real estate agent with Seeff Midlands. It’s been a challenge I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, but it’s also been a massive lesson in balance….or the constant pursuit of it. As a runner, I have certain expectations of myself. Yet, even now, I’ll stand on a starting line and find myself looking left and right. I’ll see runners who look leaner, more muscular, or more prepared and that familiar shadow of doubt creeps in before the race even begins. I start to question if I’ve done enough. The same thing happens in life. Whether I’m navigating a property deal, coaching a client or just trying to keep up with mum life, I catch myself comparing my behind-the-scenes reality to everyone else’s highlight reel. It’s easy to feel inadequate when you’re wearing so many hats. Right now I’m right in the middle of preparing for a fundraiser run—The Power of 26. Even though the run itself hasn’t happened yet, seeing the way people are already getting involved and showing up for the cause has been a massive reality check. It’s a powerful reminder that people aren’t looking for “perfect”, they are inspired by the collective willingness to just show up and try. That’s exactly where I’m at right now. I’m far from perfect. I’m constantly juggling the fast-paced demands of real estate with the discipline of my own training, coaching others and the beautiful, messy energy of being a mum. Some days, the balance feels right; other days, it’s just about putting one foot in front of the other. My goal for this year is to stop looking at the “leaner” runners in the other lanes. I want to focus on my own abilities and trust the work I’ve put in. We lose so much strength when we lose sight of what truly inspires us because we’re too busy measuring ourselves against someone else. I’ve decided to just do my best to make a difference where I can. On the trail, in my coaching sessions or helping a family find a home. If you’ve been feeling like you aren’t “enough” lately, just know you aren’t alone but the starting line is there for everyone and the only person you really need to outrun is the version of yourself that told you that you couldn’t do it. With grit and grace, Joanna Eleftheriou Keppler