May Newsletter - 2022

You might be asking why I was running a half marathon under these conditions. Well, to be honest, because I knew I could finish (slowly), and because I knew I needed it for my own mental health. It was an exercise in NOT excelling, NOT accomplishing a "PR", and honestly, I knew I needed to just enjoy the event for the sake of being alive and able. 

Early on, I had parted from my running buddy, so I was on my own until I met up with her at the end. As I ran, I soaked in the scenery, the weather, the blisters forming on my feet, I soaked in my lungs working hard, the crusted sweat on my face, I soaked it ALL in. It was not easy, but it was an exercise of living strong. It was a good kind of exertion. 

THEN I reached a stretch of the race where there were placards lining each side of the road with names, faces, birth and death dates of those who died in active military service. It completely caught me off guard. When I entered into this stretch, I didn't know what this was about, I didn't know who these people were, I just started looking and reading, and reading and reading. There were so many of them, and as I ran, and read, and looked, I cried. It was a powerful moment of realization, awareness, and gratitude. I have since learned that this is called "The Blue Mile" and is put on by "Wear Blue Run to Remember". It is a poignant and moving stretch on the course to honor the service and sacrifice of the American Military. It made a surprising, grateful, impact on my heart that day. I do believe the freedoms and the opportunities that we are allowed in our wonderful nation can all be tied to those that fought for us, those that led while serving in the U.S. military, those that picked up a role to work for us as we enjoy even the smallest of freedoms. I don't think that moment during the race will leave my mind or heart for quite some time. I can only hope that you can have a similar moment if you haven't to date

Finally, just as I can tie my gratitude to those that served for us, I can also tie my gratitude to my mother (and father). I realize that relationships with our mothers can be beautiful, difficult, caring, complicated, and everything in between. There is no doubt, however, that our mothers gave us the opportunity to live this life however challenging our relationship may be with her. I hope you are able to find a meaningful way to honor your mother, connect to her, and celebrate the life that she allowed you to live.

When I look at all the gratitudes I have in my life, I see now that I can always tie it back to the one(s) who gave me the opportunity to live, my mom and dad, and those that fought for me to enjoy the life that I live, those that lost their lives while fighting for our freedoms. I encourage you to take some time this month to find your own gratitude, reflect, remember and honor those you can this month.

Thoughtfully,

Shara Carter