Mean Girls

It's almost midnight and I'm wiped out. I should be finding my pillow but instead, I have found the keyboard. It has been so long since I logged in that I almost forgot my password. I have been running, and running, and running. I think it is the most I've ran in a racing season. I have accomplished the impossible. I challenge myself while I continuously balance living my life with a chronic illness.

So much magic has happened in the last few months and I will share as much as I can. There are some immediate posts that are calling my attention. However, I will save some of my energy to describe the amazing race experiences I've recently encountered. 2015 has been very good to me.

Tonight, I was called to write about a more pressing matter. It has to do with relationships and how you treat others. It is about snap judgments and how your words can sting. Everything always comes back around. This is called Karma.

I've been quiet for awhile. Observing, watching, going about my business. But now I am compelled to write what is in my heart and mind. Some would say let it go. And I've tried but it is a message that needs to be heard loud and clear.

If you know me, really know me, then you know that I will do everything I can to help you, to encourage you, to lift you up. I will never, ever tear you down.

I am here to tell you that Mean Girls exist. Jealousy can rear its ugly head when you least expect it.

I absolutely do not make you "look bad." The only person you should compare yourself to, is you! I am accomplishing my own goals, in my own way, the best way I can.

WHO FREAKIN CARES that you choose to run 5k's (or whatever distance it may be) while I prefer to run ultra's? The last time I checked, we were all in this together, despite the mileage we logged. Did you ever stop to think how I admire you and how you find the time to train, despite having to work and manage a family or stay at home with your active toddler and newborn baby, have the courage to show up on race day and cross the finish line?

And I'm not sorry for posting on social media about my accomplishments. When you post yours, I'm the first one to say "Congrats!" and speak words of sincerity. I didn't get the memo that my posts should be fired away at a less rapid rate.

I thought I had arrived in a place in my life where Mean Girls didn't exist. I thought the golden rule applied in adulthood "treat others how you want to be treated"...a rule I teach my kids.

But maybe I have it all wrong. And this stirs up all kinds of emotions. Why can't women support women who are achieving great things? Why must women feel the need to tear one another down? This world is hard enough. Why must women add this extra brutality?

This is a call to action. 

I challenge all women out there to stop and think before shredding someone apart that you don't even know. Are you aware of their battles? You don't know the footsteps they have traveled on their journey to get them where they are now. Instead, introduce yourself, open your heart and listen. In a world where we like to control, listening is the key to peace and happiness. Embrace their uniqueness, marvel at their gifts and share in the joy of their accomplishments.

Worlds may collide but view this as a learning opportunity and perhaps, a new friendship.

The jealousy and hatred against each other must stop. We must lift each other up instead.

United. Together. Now and Forever. 

Or we will always stand Alone.

And to women everywhere, whether you are a CEO, CPA, MBA, PhD, decorated soldier, accomplished athlete or a stay at home Mom, I applaud you for all you do, each and every day.

Keep Being Awesome!

Peace, Love and Running,

Amy