Want to know how I’ve mentally and physically prepared for running a big race in May thus far? Come on, you know you do. It will make you feel better about yourself.
I gave up pop for a full month. I patted myself on the back.
I logged 3.5 miles a day for a week straight. At which point, my back responded: Uuummm…yyyeah…about that weak core of yours. I still can’t support it. So I’m out.
As my back went on strike, my recovery plan included a cocktail of chiro and physical therapy appointments, lots of Subway sandwiches, microwave popcorn, Girl Scouts cookies, and remorse.
I bought some new running shoes.
I complained about how I’m not able to get in my training miles when the freezing temperature makes it impossible to run outdoors in Nebraska, when the treadmill in my basement makes me angry just looking at it, and when the number on the scale reminds me that this year will be harder.
As I’ve said before, the act of running is not something I ever look forward to doing. Ever. However, being alone with my mind and experiencing endorphin release in my body make the lens in which I look through life much clearer.
Spring is coming. I must remember that.
Until it gets here, I’ll just sit back and watch this clip of a baby instinctively bonding with its mother on auto loop to make me smile.
Cheerios made huge strides by featuring a “controversial” interracial family in their advertisements – not once, but twice – the latest airing during Super Bowl Sunday.
The fictional family is made up of actors – a black dad, white mom, and their young daughter.
The first commercial, which aired in May 2013, drew immediate viewer feedback. Sadly, the majority of the earliest comments was negative. So negative that the comments section had to be disabled.
The common rule, “If you don’t have something nice to say then don’t say anything at all,” doesn’t exactly translate online. Comments tend to be a lot more critical when typed versus spoken.
After the initial backlash, General Mills, which owns Cheerios, received an outpouring of support from viewers. The company decided to sink an additional $4 million investment into their follow-up Super Bowl ad that featured the same family.
I recently had a friend share a video with me that asked kids for their opinions on the first Cheerios ad. The interviewer asked open-ended questions like, “What did you think of the family?” and “Do you have any idea about why people are angry about the parents in this commercial?”
The children’s answers are worth listening to with an open mind.
Although they are visibly shocked upon realizing that racism still exists to the extent it does, their overall response is one of love. “You don’t have to leave mean comments,” one says. “Think about those people…they probably feel horrible,” echoes another.
Watching their reactions made me think about the little kids I see everyday at preschool when I drop off and pick up my youngest. Let me give you a listen into the types of conversations I hear.
She forgot to wear her crazy socks so I gave her a hug.
He doesn’t have a dog like us, but his cat is cute.
She just moved here and is shy. We shared crayons.
I took his snack. (Come on, you didn’t expect them all to be innocent and selfless, did you?)
Now, let me tell you what I don’t hear.
She doesn’t practice the right religion.
I feel like her family make-up is unethical and wrong.
He voted for the wrong politician.
Her skin color makes me feel uncomfortable.
We are all entitled to our own opinions and I’ll be damned if I don’t do everything within my power to respect those who have different opinions than my own. What I cannot respect are people who chastise and judge others because they disagree with their beliefs, because they don’t agree with who they love, and because they don’t respect human differences.
Let me leave you with one of the best stories I’ve heard.
Today is Rosa Finnegan’s 102nd birthday. She gives a precious glimpse into her life while giving everyone hope that it’s never too late to love thy neighbor.
Today I had to say goodbye to my friend and co-blogger Melissa as she announced her departure from professional blogging.
We’ve been writing for momaha.com for four years and have been guest appearing on the Pat&JT Show on Q98.5 FM together for three years.
I credit her with helping me progress both personally and professionally for nearly a decade. A coworker turned confidant. A friend who reminds me of my strengths when I lose sight of my own potential.
I have no doubt our friendship will forge on. But, change stings a little. Such is life.
Hear our final radio thoughts together below. There are two segments and the second one, in particular, makes me happy and sad at the same time.
maternalmedia 