Memories

There’s a Reason They’re Called Sweet

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We all have them. Some have many, or at least they’re told. Some are told they don’t have any, but they know that’s a lie. We all know that lie.

They are those things or moments that are unexplainably easy. Mostly likely, they also bring a sense of unmatched joy and satisfaction.

See if you recognize any of these:

  • Creating a spreadsheet for a new project
  • Hosting a baby shower
  • Coaching your child’s sport’s team
  • Baking for your new neighbor
  • Sitting with the elderly
  • Leading a volunteer team
  • Organizing the family vacation
  • Being on stage
  • Analyzing data
  • Writing thank you notes
  • Grilling for the July 4th block party
  • Sketching what you see at the beach
  • Laying out a floor plan
  • Onboarding new personnel

It’s that thing that when you’re done, people commend you and all you can say is, “That was fun,” or “I love doing it,” or “It just comes natural to me.” And they reply something like, “I can tell,” or “I wish I could do that,” or “Please don’t stop. I love watching you do it. It brings me joy.”

These things, these moments, these skills, these practices are what many like to call sweet spots.

You’re familiar with the term. But, like me, maybe you’ve not actually taken a moment to think about why. That question came to me way to early this morning, but I was glad.

I was glad because otherwise I wouldn’t have had these answers:

  • They’re called sweet because they bring pleasure-to their source, to their user, and to their receiver.
  • They’re called sweet because they have balance-not too much, not too little, just right.
  • They’re called sweet because they produce joy-during the prep, through the delivery, and by the memory.
  • They’re called sweet because they feel effortless-in the right lane, nothing blurred, nothing magnified.

Life can’t always be sweet. With intention, it can certainly be sweeter.

You have sweet spots. There’s a reason you have them.

Know them.

Own them.

Enjoy them.

Photo by Charles Etoroma on Unsplash

Running Tuesdays: I Run…

/ johngregoryjr / 2 Comments

by Monika Oberer

I was a horseback rider and trainer for 23 Years – in the time I lived in Switzerland – not a fitness or physically active person at all. Never did I do sports activities in school on a voluntary base, only when I had to. So when I moved to Florida in 2002 I enjoyed American fast food and gained weight. I did realize at some point that I needed to change something. Not wanting to put effort in a change, nothing happened for years. 

A friend told me about a “gym” called CURVES. “It’s great! It’s only for women, and you can go when you feel like it!” That was her line to sell it to me. So I did it and did not like to be in a room with other heavy women moving a bit and complaining about how hard it is. I quit and went back to my fast food, desserts and beer! Then I saw the neighbor across the street run. HARMONY- She looked great. She was happy. She loved life. She was just that perfect woman…(I was jealous).

One Friday night at a bar my friend at the time Amy said, “You are complaining about your looks. Why don’t you come and run with me?” ME?? I am enjoying my beer and my cigarette. WHY would I run??? She pushed me, and I gave in (probably I had one to many beer and agreed to a run).

Feeling like the world is ending is an understatement of how I felt the first time on a treadmill. Amy was a great pusher for me, and I was a great companion for her! So we “trained” for a 5K. I did it in 43 min, and I felt like winning the Olympics! I loved the vibe on the route and all the happy people. That was Summer 2008.

After doing several 5 & 10K races, I did my first 1/2 Marathon with my dear friend John Gregory in Nov 2009. He was the one telling my brain it’s okay to move from the “small” distance to the “middle” distance. I finished with a HUGE SMILE on my face in 2.01.54. THAT felt like winning the World! I was so happy, and I was getting the running bug. Definitely I did not think I ever would run long distance and enjoy it. The half marathon distance was totally okay with me and my new body.

So I registered for every 1/2 Marathon I could find. I LOVED it! “Bonded by the Pace“ was the running group name of the new running peeps I had in my life! All girls. My life had changed, and I was getting happier! BY THE MILE! 

John Gregory asked me if I was up for a Ragnar Relay race with 10 other runners. SURE!! Not really knowing what I was getting in to. Jan 2011 we did the Key West Ragnar Relay, and it was a great experience. RUN – EAT – SLEEP – REPEAT x3 

One week after that, the Girls decided we needed to do one full marathon, only one. Then we go back to the 1/2 ones…… 
Training started, and I started to fall in love with my running shorts more and more!! 

Miami Marathon Jan 2012 4.42.06 NOW I WAS ADDICTED! I crossed the finish line and told my mom in HAPPY TEARS, “I am going to run Chicago 26.2!!”

Rebekah, my extreme running friend (we ran since I trained for my first 1/2 Marathon), introduced me to the LWR Running Club. I was the slowest at my first run with them. After some time I got a chance to keep up with some of them; that’s how I met my dear awesome mentor and friend for life, Lorraine. When she heard I wanted to do Chicago she just said, “Okay girl, lets do it! Get ready because you will have to train 5 days a week hard with me!” Oh yes, she was not kidding! I started to go to the GYM and ran pounds off my body! 

Chicago 2014 – 4.01.36 

So after that I decided I need to go places! Travel and do marathons! 

Two weeks later I did the Marine Corps Marathon with Rebekah – an amazing experience with a wonderful amazing friend! 

September 2015 I BQ 3.38.32, and in April 2016 I was privileged to run the Boston Marathon 

I have so many memories with so many miles. One thing is very clear-I RUN BECAUSE IT MAKES ME HAPPY. It was a long path until I got there, but so worth it. 

I have met so many great people and had so many great moments. I only look back to the late nights, fast food, cigarettes and too much beer with a smile and say, “Yes, that WAS YOU.” I love the new me! 

It’s not always easy; it hurts; it gets hard; I feel every muscle in my body, however not all runs have to be great! It’s a lifestyle I chose, and I pace it to my health. 

I am thankful and happy for every mile I can do with my own feet.