The human capacity for burden is like bamboo- far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.
― Jodi Picoult
Fifteen years ago Michelle Barton would never have believed she would become one of the best ultra-distance runners alive.
In 2006, Michelle Barton embarked on California’s Orange Curtain 100K race, which is 10 circuits on a 10K out-and-back course.
“It stank,” says the 38- year-old from Laguna Niguel, California.
“It was one of my most painful races—mentally and physically.”
But then, around mile 50, she had an epiphany:
“If it’s going to hurt, I want it to hurt for a reason.”
She dug in, pushed beyond her threshold, and won the race in 10:24.
We may not be a marathon runner, but when we step out of the familiar and out of our limitations, only then, will we discover the strength of our resilience.
No matter how many times I have failed or have felt vulnerable, I continue to be amazed at my ability to expand my resilience.
Emotional and physical resilience happens each time we create new thoughts, responses, and boundaries around the challenges we face. Each time we adapt to a new way of being, we open new pathways of our infinite potential.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Adapting to new ways of being. Simultaneously the most terrifying and most liberating of actions. 😘
I agree Lori! Life’s too short not to. 🤗
It is definitely that belief in ourselves dear lady. Great post 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
And the courage to keep going! Thanks Mark 🙏🏻
Sometimes down, but never out! 😉
Exactly Eliza! There is always room to begin again. 🤗🧡
What a lovely reminder. Thank you, Karen.
Thank you Vicki 🧡🤗
I love the idea of new pathways. I’ve always been fascinated by neural pathways created by habitual thoughts. But even more fascinated by what happens when people can reprogram those pathways with new thoughts. Possibilities are endless . . .
So true! They are infinite and endless 👏🤗
So true. We are stronger than we think. Thank you, Karen.
We definitely are Michele. Thank you 🙏🏻🧡
Dear Karen
We don’t think that we are stronger than we think but we are as strong as we think. Watch your thinking 😉
Have a happy weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Exactly! We are not our thoughts or beliefs. 🙏🏻🤗
“If it’s going to hurt, I want it to hurt for a reason.” – so pwerful!! It is the less chosen path that is indeed most rewarding.
I love that line too. Deep down we all want to push past the limitations of our mind and find our infinite freedom within 🙏🏻🧡