Not only do I not have to be perfect but I don't even have to be good at it.
It has taken me thirty-five years of life to realize that there are things I can do just because I enjoy it. I have a huge list of I never... because I am just not good at it.
One of those things was running. I will probably never be a 'good' runner. By most standards I am pretty bad. I get overjoyed when I run a 10 minute mile. My goal for the marathon is to 1. finish 2. try and finish in under 6 1/2 hours. But just because I will probably never qualify for Boston or even just win a local race in my age division doesn't mean I shouldn't or can't run.
Since running my list of 'I never' is slowly being crossed off. I enjoy dancing, painting, and Zumba lessons. I want to learn how to play different sports, take a pottery class, and learn Yoga. I know longer care if I am good at these things. The important question that I want to find out is do I enjoy them? Do they bring meaning to my life?
I look back and think about all of the things I have missed out of doing because I was afraid I wouldn't be good at it. This usually makes me sad but today when I was out running, I suddenly felt grateful that for the rest of my life I will try new things and decide if I should or shouldn't do something based on the joy and meaning it brings to my life.
“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.”
~ Henry van Dyke
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