Sunday, January 4, 2015

Validation vs. Perspective

The following is something I wrote this past summer.  Never published, but today feels like an appropriate time to share how inspiring this man has been to me, and, I imagine, countless others.  RIP Mr. Scott.  Turning the pillow, and keeping perspective.


Earlier this week I went for a run and had a shitty workout.  Arrived home and posted something akin to "getting back in shape SUUUUUCKS".  Yeah I know, you have heard that from me before.  And yes, I occasionally whine.  I admit, at that moment, I was totally whining.  Then I went to my Facebook newsfeed and clicked the link to Stuart Scott's acceptance speech at the ESPY awards.  For those of you who don't know, he is a commentator on ESPN and has been fighting cancer.  He won the Jimmy V award.


It is a must see in my opinion.  Click the link to watch...
Stuart Scott's acceptance speech

I watched the speech, and quickly deleted my whiny post.  I was embarrassed that I had dared to feel so bad about struggling with getting in shape when there are people out there fighting for their lives!!!

So perspective is good, right?  I have my health, I have a job, I have a roof over my head, I have friends who love me.  I shouldn't complain.  But then is there no room to struggle if the struggle isn't big, or horrible, or life-threatening?  Where is the balance?  A friend worrying about paying the mortgage on a second home is a "high-class" problem, as she would be the first to admit.  But it is still her worry for today, and it needs to be heard and acknowledged.  My fear about having a head injury and what that did to my fitness, my business, my life for almost 5 months is also valid.  Feeling lonely because I am single once again...also valid.

But making sure we maintain perspective can be invaluable.