Connections

One of the spirit sticks that hangs in my foyer bears the quote, “Be with those who help your being.” The words are from a poem (see “thought for the day”). I love the phrase. It reminds me of the rich relationships that create texture, warmth and beauty in my life. They are the relationships that nurture my soul, comfort my heart and sing in a chorus of support and belief, “You can do anything you want.”

I so treasure these amazing connections. They feel timeless, yet steeped in history. When we revel in the memories of days past, they feel old and comfortable like a wonderfully broken-in pair of running shoes. And when we explore new chapters together and grow forward in our friendship, they feel fresh and exciting like the opening night of a new show.

When I step onto some new and challenging path, they are with me -- those who “help my being.” I invite them in when I am strong and when I am my most vulnerable. They are a snooze alarm when I’d rather sleep in; a second wind on the longest training run; a balm for sore muscles and a soft shoulder for hurt feelings. They are wise and accomplished and inspiring and encouraging.

Tomorrow morning I’ll get on a plane to visit one of my oldest and dearest pals, my West Point roommate. It’s a connection that has lasted over thirty years, and I treasure it as much today as I did when we panicked together over getting caught out of uniform on a football Saturday (took our hats off before entering the gate of Michie Stadium), collapsed in laughter over our own silly costumes for “after-taps” rallies and fretted our first assignments as commissioned officers – our first time to be separated after four years at the academy.

Chip (to my Dale) is one of the “six-chix,” who are my closest friends, confidants and advisors. She “helps my being,” and I help hers. Who helps your being? Whose being do you help? How are you connecting today and tomorrow?

Snowman Training Notes: Back to the gym for strength training. Started with 3,100 vertical feet on the versa-climber (30 minutes); then on to full body strength training (leg-centric as usual). Total training time: 1:05.

Thought for the day:

Be with those who help your being.
Don’t sit with indifferent people, whose breath
comes cold out of their mouths.
Not these visible forms, your work is deeper.

A chunk of dirt thrown in the air breaks to pieces.
If you don’t try to fly,
and so break yourself apart,
you will be broken open by death,
when it’s too late for all you could become.

Leaves get yellow. The tree puts out fresh roots
and makes them green.
Why are you so content with a love that turns you yellow?

~Rumi