December Coffee Date
Well good morning!
We have blazed through the first week of December and it is high time for another edition of Friday Things. I know a lot of you read my blog for running talk but I have had requests for a little bit more lifestyle content so I have decided to do a monthly update that has NOTHING to do with running. This blog is constantly evolving and I keep drawing from inspiration of those around me which is why I wanted to change the name of this to something a little more apt for my site and make this our little monthly coffee date and just cover off everything I would tell you if we were at the Starbucks right by my house. You better believe I will have the latte.
What I am thinking a lot about these days: Mentors and Leadership
I recently was able to hear Allison Grafton speak on leadership and she completely resonated with me. I think the biggest take away for me was that if we are going to go into a leadership role in any area, authenticity is vital. Believe it or not, I do have a day job where I drag this disaster into meetings, conversations and projects and it is important to me to not hide behind a veil of projected perfectionism. If I am working with you, I strive to be direct, authentic and within my value system. My nickname may be disaster girl, but at least we are all on the same page.
I am fortunate to have an endless roster of incredible mentors in my life, both male and female. I could go on forever on what they bring both in the athletic and professional areas of my life, but right now, I am especially grateful to my career mentors – women who have gone before me and done huge things and give me someone to look up to.
What I am reading these days: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
I know this makes me look relentlessly Type A but I recommend this as a quick, easy and motivating read. This book is amazing and is a look at a different way to live. More = less.
What I am wearing these days: New Balance Vazees
These shoes don’t leave my feet. Which is great but it also means that they are getting way up in milage. I will be sharing a post-wear review on them in the next couple weeks because I believe you can tell more about shoes at the end of their life then the beginning.
What I am dying over right now: Foxes. Now and always.
What I am watching these days: SUITS. Now and always.
My favourite recipe right now: 4 ingredient sweet potato brownies from Big Man’s World. Great for Christmas parties because everyone will think it is fudge but it is actually a sneakily dressed vegetable. You are WELCOME.
Something new I am trying: Revkor. It’s a new gym in my area and uses a band system like TRX. The space is so gorgeous – it is industrial and open with a living room space where the owner’s dogs have a nap while you work out. If I am going to need to do strength training, this is my space.
Blog I love: BlissfulBritt. This girl. Hikes, coffee, and happiness. It is my life goal to meet her someday. Follow her for coffee and food pairings, best places to hike complete with gorgeous photos and motivation for a happy life.
What I am listening to: Stand by You by Rachel Platten. I think the reason this song resonates to me so much is because it perfectly describes the relationship between my mom and youngest sister, Jolene who has struggled with anorexia for over a decade. Tying this whole post together, if we want to talk about mentors – my mother has exemplified more emotional fortitude and mental grit than I think I will ever have and I often draw on this strength during race situations when I start getting tired or feeling like the race will never end. I am pushing over a matter of hours – she has remained resolved and strong for years. So proud to call her one of my biggest mentors and role models.
What’s going on in your life right now?
LOVE!!!
I have been hearing about that book so I think I might need to get it! And I adore a gym with some puppy love included – so perhaps next time I am out your way for work I will have to check it out!
Yes PLEASE. And it is right beside this awesome juice place. Let me know and we should go. I’ll hook you up with a free class.
Oh I LOVE this. I too have been thinking about mentors. (#totallyonthesamepage). One of the things I love about social media (even though it does have its faults) is that mentors and role models are accessible in ways that they weren’t before. We can be inspired and learn from people because of the content they share and the way they interact online, and that’s a whole lot cheaper than 1-1 coaching which obviously a lot of people don’t have a lot of time for. Great post, lady, and happy Friday!
Thanks darlin! Of course we are on the same page, even though we didn’t talk this week because I am a grandmother…
I started my new job this week so trying to adjust to a new schedule always makes things a bit tricky. Mentors are so important to have!
I like little life update posts like this one, and I would happily join you for coffee, although it’ll have to be early morning since I’m limited really to one cup a day, two if I’m feeling frisky. We can invite my girl Britt because I adore her and WAS fortunate enough to meet her in person.
When it comes to leadership, I stick with a lead by example approach. None of this do as I say, not as I do business. If you step up the plate, those who work with you will follow your lead and do the same.