by | Dec 15, 2014 | 15 comments

Happy Motivation Monday!

motivation monday the lyons share

If you’ve been reading for a while, you know I love to run races.  Even if I’m not going for a personal record or if it’s not an “A” race, I just love the race atmosphere.  I love seeing people from all walks of life chasing after their goal, being active, supporting others, and choosing health for themselves.  Almost always, though, I’m running in the race, and not spectating.

For yesterday’s Dallas Marathon, I tried to register too late – and missed the cut-off.  At first, I was bummed, because it’s one of my favorite races, and very close to my house.  However, the experience was just as inspiring – if not more so – from the sidelines.  I got so much joy in seeing others work towards their goals.

First, I saw Ryan Hall pacing Sara Hall, and had a complete fan girl moment.  I think I screamed something like “Ohmygosh it’s Ryan and Sara!  I love you guys!  Keep it up!  Looking strong!”.  I also saw Deena Kastor, and yelled her name as well … and she turned back around and smiled!  Wow!

ryan and sara

I was already smiling from seeing the elites, but then I focused in on the crowds.  Two of the runners I coach were running the half marathon, and I wanted to make sure they were on pace, feeling good, and run with them for a block or two.  I cannot tell you the surge of emotions that ran through me as I saw each of them running towards me.  I felt SO excited for them – they were executing their goals and doing so well.  Running with them made me feel like I was chasing my own race goals, and made me so happy!  And the happiness was magnified even more when they crossed the finish line like champions.  They both did great!

help others achieve their dreams

(picture source)

As I helped my athletes realize their dreams, I realized that they were helping me realize my own dreams as well!  They made me so proud and grateful to be able to help them!

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What does this rambling have to do with you?  Today, I challenge you to see the goodness in others, and celebrate their successes.  Is a co-worker doing a great job with a tough project?  Is a family member really trying hard to get healthy, cultivate a skill, be a better parent, give back to the community?  Is your partner or spouse trying to reach a new goal, and getting closer every day?  Celebrate their success – and I promise, you’ll feel great yourself.

choose to see the goodness in others

(picture source)

So tell me in the comments … Do you get joy out of celebrating others?  How can you celebrate someone in your life today?

15 Comments

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  2. Marie @kindinside.com

    Wow, this is SUCH a great reminder. Thank you!

    I tend to be very torn on this, on one hand I am SO happy when my family, friends (etc.) success and love to celebrate them and really honor their achievements, but on the other hand my ego can really propel me into a state of jealousies and the feeling/ fear, that when they succeed it means that there won’t be a change that I will.
    Usually I manage to screw the ego and go crazy with toot-horns, flowers and gifts! Cause after all the thing that makes me the most happy is when I am able to make others happy 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      I totally understand that there are two sides to the coin, Marie, and I think it’s only natural to have that ego side popping up every once in a while. But I loved your description of going crazy with toot-horns – I’ll bet you’re a fantastic supporter!

      Reply
  3. Carina

    I agree, watching those runners on Sunday was so much fun! So inspiring, so interesting, so fun! As you know, I posted a bunch of pictues and since I wasn’t tired last night, I actually looked up the times of some people I didn’t know in photos (but could read their bibs). Last week in SA, I said to my friend that it would be interesting to replay a video of the race filmed from our own eyes with the finish times of everyone around us posted above them. So you’d know, that guy who just went flying past you, did he finish in 2:41, or did you end up passing him again at mile 24? And that person who started walking right in front of you, did he just keep walking all the way, or was he hurt and dropped out, or did he just run for a minute and end up finishing right behind you? It was enlightening to look at some of the times — many pics had my friends in them, so I could see if other people picked it up or slowed it down, and sometimes those who looked like they were struggling, were doing just great, and vice versa. Definitely a fun waste of time!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      I’ve been meaning to tell you for weeks what an awesome idea this is! I try to play that game during races – if someone flies past me early in the race, I make a mental note to see if I pass them later, and vice versa. Would be a total time suck (but fun!) to try that with the results after next race!

      Reply
  4. Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner

    Love this! I love watching other moms in our MRTT achieve their race goals and cheering them on. some of them had never run before they joined us-so fullfilling to watch them go.

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      That’s so awesome, Deborah! I’ll bet you are a fabulous motivator. Keep up that great work!

      Reply
  5. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

    I learned how much fun this can be as I got older… now days I’m just as happy if someone I love “wins” at something as if I do. Funny because i’ve always been the most competitive person I know!

    Glad you had fun! That would be been cool to be part of.

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      I’m pretty competitive, too, though I generally try to hide it ;). But if I can detach myself from that and just celebrate others, I have so much more fun!

      Reply
  6. Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine

    Thats so awesome that you were able to see some of those runners! Your post got me even more excited to start coaching others!! Have a great week!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Yay, Lisa! Has coaching started yet? I hope it’s going great!!! Let me know!

      Reply
  7. Tina muir

    Awwww love it Megan! I definitely see how this helps, I loved being a coach at La Salle, and it made my heart swell seeing my athletes run fast with their beaming faces after! You are a great coach, and its nice they appreciate you! Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Thank you, Tina! I’ll bet you were an AMAZING coach – you have so many fantastic experiences to share!

      Reply
  8. Michael Anderson

    What a wonderful post, Megan 🙂

    As I am now an ‘older engineer’, I have had many opportunities to mentor others, to make sure that THEY are presenting and getting credit for work, and so on. And it is SO rewarding – these people work hard, and I love seeing them enjoy their successes!

    And of course, my kids 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      You are so great at celebrating your kids’ successes, Michael, so I can only imagine how you are as a boss or colleague. Your family and team are lucky to have you!

      Reply

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Megan Lyons Headshot

Hi! I'm Megan Lyons,

the voice behind The Lyons’ Share. I love all things health, wellness, and fitness-related, and I hope to share some of my passion with you. Thanks for stopping by!
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