To the world I am a strong, confident and independent woman. My friends tell me that I’m amazing because of all the “wild and crazy” things I’ve done.
They point things like when I pulled up roots and moved to a new town twice, went on a Wyoming cattle drive, flew a helicopter despite being fearful of heights, training for then doing a triathlon, and now planning to race walk my first half marathon.
While I believe it’s truly natural to do any sort of thing, I always think that what I did was “no big deal.” That’s because deep down, my Inner Critic who believes that anything I do is never “good enough.”
I recently read the excellent book, “A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey” by Chrissie Wellington. This excerpt resonated with me:
“…But one of my resolutions going into 2000 was to be less hard on myself. Eating meat again was a step forward in that respect. Yes, there is an element of hypocrisy and therefore, to me, a loss of self-control, a weakness. But we all have weaknesses. Accepting that reality has been one of my greatest challenges, and still is.” ~ Chrissy Wellington
This drive — this need — for perfection has been a constant battle throughout my life! The negative self-talk smothers my spirit so much that it feels like a Herculean feat to get out of bed (not to mention getting ready for a training session!).
Imagine my eye-opening realization that I apparently shared a character quality with a four-time IRONMAN® world champion. Chrissie’s realization that our weaknesses are what make us humans. That’s a concept I’ve logically have known. Accepting this truth on a deep emotional level and letting go of perfectionism is truly liberating…and a part of this journey called life.
So lean into our weaknesses, learn how to live with them, and go onto enjoying a healthy, active and fulfilling life…however that may look for ourselves.
About the book
- “A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey” by Chrissie Wellington. Published 2013 by Center Street. Check your local library or buy a copy on Amazon.com [not an affiliate link]
- I really enjoyed reading about Chrissie, her life up to and including triathlon, and her passions. Hope you do, too!
Originally published as ” Accept Your Weaknesses, Increase Your Strength” on Aug. 12, 2013 | Updated Aug. 14, 2023