Remember last summer how we wrote a book together? Well, I wrote and you showed up each week to read, comment, and hold me accountable. You were awesome by the way. The book came out last September (2013). I thought it would be a good idea to re-post the original 10 part series. I certainly could use the time to consider the journey God took me on last summer in light of recent life changing events.
This week, we’ll focus on a couple of chapters, with a few more the next. Unless of course it takes longer than that. This is highly possible. Thanks for being here, again. Let’s be OK together.
Here is a bit of background on the book to get us started:
Recently, I had an Olympic sized disappointment of my own. Something I had been working hard on for months fell through my fingertips. I could almost hear the gasp of the crowd in my ears as my own dream died in the form of a short email. I took a moment (translation the better part of a day) to dance with the disappointment and then I had a decision to make. What next?
This was not an unfamiliar place for me. In my 40+ years I have had many disappointments. Some may seem small, others were life changing. I began to think back on each of those times in my life and saw a theme. I saw for the first, time learning to be OK with where you are is a process.
Confession time: I hate process.
I’m not entirely on the other side of it. This book is my way of walking through it and not getting stuck along the way.I love that you are here. It is so much better to walk together. I’m secretly hoping we can work out being ok with where we are together.
I promise to cheer loudly for you. I’m hoping you’ll cheer for me, too.
{From Chapter 1}
Admit it.
“I’ve never been a runner. There was one time in college when I tried to become one because I desperately needed to shed the freshman fifteen. My roommate Nichole loved to run. She ran for the sheer fun of it. I was pretty sure I didn’t, remembering my days on the high school volley ball team. But, I needed results and fast. So I asked her to help me. She took on the challenge with great delight.
We would run after class just before dinner. Up hills and down, I felt every pound of the pavement on my entire body. She would glide effortlessly beside me while I gasped for air. After our run she would say, “Wow, that was great!” and then proceed to make and eat the biggest plate of pasta I have ever seen. I wanted to die and eat a pint of ice cream. I’m pretty sure I whined consistently about it to everyone who would listen. One day while running it occurred to me, “I hate this. I hate everything about it. So why am I doing it?”
I quit running that day.
Nichole went on to run marathons and mini-marathons. She simply loved to run. I did not. The day I admitted I was not a runner was the end of my running career, but it was the beginning of something else. I started walking instead. Walking worked for me. I could walk for miles without hurting. My mind was able to slow and could release the frustrations of my day or casually communicate with whoever might be with me at the time. Usually, this was just me and Jesus. As it turns out, He likes walking, too.
Sometimes trying to be OK with where you are feels like running when you hate it. You are gasping for air and really all you want to do is stop the madness. You might also be steadily whining about it to everyone around you. Consider this your permission slip to admit it and stop running around pretending you are OK.
It is OK to admit it to yourself and God. Don’t worry, He can take it. You’ll feel better, too. It will also be the first step in your new journey. This new journey will take you straight to the heart of God. If you let Him lead the way you will find you are not only OK with where you are, you are grateful for how you arrived.”
Join me tomorrow for part of Chapter 2.
xo,
Stacey
Update: Did you know you can download the entire first chapter for free? Yes, you can. Just go here.
For more information on how to purchase “Being OK with Where You Are” go here.
I’m hooked! Looking soo forward to next Mon.
Thanks Lou! So grateful you stopped by today.
Yep..you have me hooked. I kept scrolling down the page going “ok girl, where’s the rest..keep it coming!” You have NOTHING to worry about – this is already fantastic and I’m nodding my head in agreement with your words. Walking through a season of “running” myself right now and needing these words. (um..PERFECT analogy btw..trained for 5k b/c everyone else was doing it, shuffled my way miserably through it wanting to cry the whole time and decided..nope…i’m a Zumba kind of girl!)
This is but another reason why you are my friend! Note to self: Try Zumba!
Thanks for your encouragement!
xo,
Stacey
Great start. I think we all have “running” or a similar task/exercise that we just can’t stand. I love your writing, you are always speaking to my heart. Keep it up, please.
Thanks Melissa, you are so sweet!
Good stuff. Looking forward to reading more! No need to be nervous – sounds like God led you where you need to be and you have such practical wisdom to share with others.
Kristin, I’m so glad you are here and we can walk through this together!
Good stuff…
Looking forward to you unpacking that suitcase in the photo! (metaphorically, of course…)
We never ran did we? How to work in the brownie eating. That is the question!
As a runner…I appreciate this post. It is a sport that most love or hate. Accepting your personal gifts & sharing your time & energy is just that…personal. I look forward to reading more of your Monday posts!
My sweet friend Krystal ran a mini-marathon and I actually hurt from her just telling me the story of the race! So wish I loved to run, too! Blessings girl! So glad came by today!
I’m so proud of you. This is so good my friend. Keep writing and teaching us.
Needed this! So refreshing.
Oh Stacey, I needed this badly.
Not only do I totally feel you on the whole not-a-runner thing (I’m definitely NOT a runner, but love walking)…I’ve recently realized that, with a certain situation in my life, I am SO NOT okay but I can’t really talk about it with very many people at the risk of more people getting hurt. For a while I tried to muddle through a tense if not completely wrecked relationship until about a week ago when I decided that no, I’m not going to pretend that I’m okay with it anymore. I’m not. I’m angry, hurt, disappointed, and – among many other things – completely powerless to change said relationship outside of praying my guts out.
So thanks, for confirming in my heart that it’s okay to not be okay with it all.
Aprille – girl I”m praying for you! I hope you’ll come back next week and read part of chapter 2, I think you will find it encouraging!
This is just what I needed this morning. I cant wait for next weeks….but for me its with my Tuesday morning coffee (as I’m in Australia)
Hey there Ally – so fun to have you here today or is it tomorrow? 🙂
Oh this is so good! Can’t wait to come back and read more!
Love this! When I first started reading blogs last year yours was the first one I read. You inspired me to write, to stop pretending I could hold it all in and to boldly release what The Lord puts on my heart. You still inspire me! Keep writing Stacey. Even if you don’t get feedback from 1000 readers, keep writing. The Lord uses your honesty, humility and passion for Him in ways you can’t imagine. Can’t wait to read the rest of your story!
Diana thank you so much for this encouragement! It is much needed today! So glad you are here!
This is completely the stage of life that I am in right now! I seriously feel like, “What’s the point? Why am I here? Why even bother?” I know that I am fighting through my own insecurities right now and that’s a big part of it. Keep writing! I can’t wait to see what the future has in store!
I’m reading this with my Friday evening bowl of cereal and I so need what you are writing! This has been an ongoing struggle since we made a major move almost 8 years ago. So many things have changed for us since then. I am looking forward to reading more 🙂
Stacey – it’s gonna be a great book, and I am on board for the ride!
Yes! Thank you! Keep writing, keep writing. I’m definitely at a “I want to quit running” place in my life. Looking at a major career change. Looking forward to reading more!
I’m a week behind (and not OK with that) but will catch up this morning. I am loving this so far! Soooo many times I’ve been unhappy about some life situation and just had to muddle through.
P.S. I am also totally NOT a runner, but my husband totally is. It’s annoying.