I recently encountered an interesting thought: People with more self-compassion tend to have better outcomes in life.

As I’ve sat with this idea, I’ve realized that self-compassion isn’t about being “easy” on yourself. It’s about belief.

To be self-compassionate is to extend oneself grace in moments of failure and suffering. It requires a radical belief that our shortcomings and flaws are not defining factors of our identity — and it’s this belief that lays the foundation for everything we achieve.

For most of my life, I’ve been harshly self-critical. I rarely showed myself kindness in the face of failure; instead, I used my mistakes as evidence that I wasn’t enough. 

While my life has been successful by most standards, I can see how that critical lens has quietly sidelined opportunities and drained the joy from my daily experiences.

As I’ve worked through a string of setbacks this year — most recently the hamstring and nerve issues — I’ve had a choice. I could view these injuries as failures of my body, or I could see them for what they truly are: inevitabilities along the path to success. 

Choosing curiosity over judgment has changed everything. As I’ve traded the frustrated question of ‘Why is my body failing me?’ for the compassionate inquiry of ‘What does my body need to heal?’, I’ve felt the very nature of my self-belief begin to transform. 

I’m finally reclaiming a belief in myself that I haven’t felt in years — and with that belief, a quiet sense of joy has begun to return. 

I’ve come to realize that belief is the foundation upon which dreams are built, and self-compassion is the root of that belief. You cannot truly believe in your potential if you’re constantly punishing yourself for being human. 

As I approach my marathon in just two short weeks, and eventually my 100-mile race in October, I’m choosing to believe that these hurdles are part of the story, not the end of it. I’m learning that the most important outcome isn’t just the finish line — it’s the version of myself that arrives at the start line. A version that is a little less critical, a little more graceful, and a lot more hopeful.

Self-compassion for the win.

Run Update

Good news: My hamstring tendinopathy is finally on the mend. While the worst of it seems resolved, I’m staying disciplined by ramping up my mileage slowly, prioritizing cross-training, and staying consistent with my rehab and strength work.

The thing holding me back right now is nerve issues. I had success using shockwave therapy to treat similar nerve issues in my other leg this past year, so I’ve scheduled a few appointments over the next two weeks to see if I can’t get things to calm down. 

At this moment in time, I’m hopeful I’ll be able to put forth a good effort on race day, which is just over two weeks away. I was able to run 15 miles this past weekend and plan to attempt an 18-miler this Saturday. Next week will be a de-load week, and then it’s race week. 

I suppose it’s not technically a ‘race’ if I’m running 26.2 miles by myself. It’ll mostly be a race against the clock to make it to the Parkinson’s Moving Day event on time.

Speaking of: A quick update on my fundraising efforts for the event on April 18th: 

I’m happy to share that I’ve now raised $1,785 toward my $2,620 goal — more than halfway there! I’m truly blown away by the generosity of friends and family who’ve made a donation. 

To those who’ve donated: Your support means the world to me, and I know it will make a meaningful difference for the Parkinson’s Foundation.

With just 16 days until the event, the finish line is in sight — both for my training and this fundraiser. I’m just $835 away from the goal. So close!

If you’re able to contribute, click the button below. All proceeds will go to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Thanks in advance for your support!🧡