Don't tell me I can't.

This video has been circulating the cyberworld for a while now, most often in its dramatized-with-music version which you can see here if you prefer that sort of perspective. And if you want to see a not-so-remarkable interview with this remarkable young woman, go here.

I needed to look at this today.

I'm feeling shaky... and I know that I am my own worst enemy.

I'm staring down the barrel of my first long race in over a decade, and injury is still fresh in my mind.

I've been setting some goals... pretty lofty ones. I don't set my goals cavalierly...a lot of thought goes into their creation. I am generally hesitant to share them because I tend to perceive anything other than..."Awesome! Go, XL! You CAN do it! I'm right here with you!" as naysaying. And at first, I whole-heartedly believe those naysayings... or perceived naysayings. I always climb out of that abyss. And I pretty much always hit my goals... sometimes it just takes me a little longer than I thought :)

I need to remember this.

Don't tell me I can't...  go to college. I'll just prove you wrong and do it on my own... and get two degrees.

Don't tell me I can't...  be good at rowing. I'll just prove you wrong and win a couple of national championships and medal in international competition.

Don't tell me I can't...  have kids because I am too old. I'll just prove you wrong and have babies at the age of 36, 39, almost 42, and almost 46.

Don't tell me I can't...  be strong because I'm weak right now. I'll just have to prove you wrong and show you that immeasurable strength lies beneath this seemingly-physically weak exterior.

Don't tell me I can't...  be fast because I'm slow right now. I'll just have to prove you wrong and show you how far and how fast I can go on determination, experience, and heart.

Don't tell me I can't... I won't listen.

Ultimately, it isn't about showing you or anyone other than me what I can do. And even though that sounds incredibly self-absorbed, it's actually quite the opposite.

making a blog post about it is awfully narcissistic, though! 


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Vecchio Venerdì... WonderBaby!

Ready to take on the world...

This girl is my inspiration...

And she even participates eagerly in my ridiculous video creations :)



Another Wonder Woman is doing superhuman things today... Emz from If I can't convince you - - I'll at least confuse you is spending my entire birthday running on a treadmill for the Sojourner Center. An incredible feat by an amazing woman for a most worthy cause... check it out and support!

A Woman That Inspires...

Once a month, One Wee Voice/Life – Inspired by the Wee Man hosts a scheduled post aimed at bringing awareness to a worthy social cause... and I do my very best to take part :)  This month's topic honors International Women's Day with a piece on a woman that inspires.

Baby X

she's my woman

How could she not be?  She inspires me beyond all reaches of imagination.

Her thoughtfulness and creativity know no bounds.

Her gentle and loving nature is more beautiful than her infectious smile and glowing blue eyes.

Her solidity and depth of character surprise me daily.

She is always up for just about anything and participates with great zeal.

She has a super sense of humor.

She has shown me unparalleled courage and strength and faith.

Her story is that of a true survivor and a shining light.

I strive to be worthy of such a wonder.

Baby X, you inspire me to be the very best that I can be each and every day.