I didn’t want to write today. I told Patty that I was going to quit (I didn’t mean it, but sort of). Her response… “pssh, you’ve got this.”
And that’s all I needed to hear. Why? Because I believe it. More accurately, I believe her. Because she lives that phrase. Every. Day. That’s her mindset. And there is seriously no holding her back.
Patty used to reluctantly crawl out of bed each morning. Now she’s up at 5:15 in the dark. And it isn’t some new kick she’s on or phase she’s in. She has done this every day for over a year. I’m a bit in awe, actually.
A year ago she decided she needed to take a risk, and with some Christmas money committed to a fitness challenge with her friend, Serena (who has hero status now in our home). And it changed her life. Honestly. I might even say it saved it.
As a wife and mother, she has always been amazing. But she hasn’t quite been herself. Not her whole self. That part of her that could train like an athlete. That could run long distances, beyond the point of throwing up. That side that pushed herself, and coached others, to be their very best. That part of her had been set aside. And in its place came a sort of low grad depression.
Of course, there was still moments of that spark. It was there in her tap and dance classes. But it wasn’t the same. This was not just a piece that was missing. It was her deep joy. She lacked vision, and without vision we slowly perish.
And now…now her arms are totally ripped because she exercises 6 days a week. And eats clean and preps food and posts online and motivates others to do the same. She does it all with such authenticity. She isn’t looking for accolades or praise. She has vision. And puts it out there with so much courage. Inviting others in. Pushing others do more than they think they can. More than they want to, but, deep down, are longing for.
I’ve said before that you have to be brave to be her friend. And that’s still true. But after the year we’ve lived, I think I’d add more to it. You better mean what you say around her. Because she’ll hold you to it.
I can testify. Because now I get up with her each day. And my whole meal plan and diet have changed as well. And I find myself reading the books she has just read, and my life is changing too. Because I’m so inspired by her. By her courage. By her commitment. By showing up every day and doing the simple steps that lead to radical change.
Nietzsche famously said, “The essential thing "in heaven and in earth" is, apparently that there should be long obedience in the same direction, there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.”
Patty proves the reality of this statement every day. She shows up. And she inspires me to do more than I thought I could. Because I want what she has. That deep joy and vision. The courage to reach for things that feel like too much. And commit to one more day of writing, and then another, and another.
This year has been so fun watching her come alive. And what a joy to be swept along with her.
Thanks, babe, for giving me just what I needed today. This post is dedicated to you, my coach. Day 12, done. Bam!