A decade and a half ago, I trained for and ran my first marathon. The experience launched me on a path I hadn’t planned on traveling–one toward healing and wholeness, strength and clarity. Every marathon I’ve run since that time (about 25 total) has pushed me to my limit and required me to ask myself the hard question of whether or not to push on beyond what seemed possible. And each time I’ve said even a faltering “yes” to myself in those moments, I have discovered there is more in me than even I was aware of–more courage and tenacity.
Doing really hard things–whether they be extreme physical feats or facing fears head on–requires us to dig a little deeper and be a little more honest than we are in everyday life.
Since I started this blog NINE YEARS AGO, those of you who follow it have come with me to some pretty extraordinary places on earth and into some pretty dark corners of my mind; you’ve dug deep with me. You’ve cheered me on and encouraged me when I have come in last. And you’ve shared with me that I’ve inspired you to take on your own challenges–through which YOU have inspired ME.
Thank you!
Now has come the time when this blog is ready to do some stretching and growing of its own. I’m in a different stage in my own life–still running with my two legs, but also running two businesses. I’m working with writers to help them get their memoirs written and living in the realm of writing coaching and family therapy. I don’t have the time to blog weekly as I used to do for years.
But, I still very much want 7marathons7continents.com to be a place of inspiration.
Would YOU like to write for me? I would like to invite adventurers who have experienced healing and/or transformation through their endeavors to write a blog post. I know you are out there, you mountain climber… you sky-diver… you whitewater rafter… I know you are out there, you who has faced down cancer, or agoraphobia, or domestic abuse. I know you are out there, you who has walked a mile when told you’d never walk again.
But I’m not only looking for the most extreme adventurers among you. Did you go back to school at 50? Leave a marriage? Take up knitting after being told you were “all thumbs” all your life? I want to hear your stories too.
If ADVENTURE of some kind–any kind–HAS SAVED YOU OR CHANGED YOU… if you have looked Fear in the face and walked right through him… I want you to tell your story. I want you to write a blog post for us. Tell us what happened and how you overcame life’s obstacle by climbing up that big hill or finally mastering that twisted yoga pose. You can define adventure… it’s different for each of us.
If you’d like to get on the schedule, email me at clostman@live.com. Give me a paragraph about your topic and either my assistant or I will get back to you to schedule your post! We can’t wait to be inspired by you!
I went to Kenya in the early 1980s working on my MA in Health. It changed my life.
Also went to NYC from a farm in MO and that too did a number on me – all good numbers here.
Also went to Cuba, broke the blockade to take material aide, and met Castro – amazing trip.
I’ll be putting you on my blog schedule, Barbara!