I saw something today that sparked a little sentimental spot in me and I started thinking about where I started and how far I have come. And the PEOPLE in my life.

People come into your life for a REASON, a SEASON, or a LIFETIME.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty to provide you with guidance and support. To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend, and they are! They are there for whatever reason you need them to be. Then without any reason or fault, they are gone from your life, whether they walked away or were taken by God, we must realize that our need has been met, their work is done, the prayer you sent up has been answered and now they must move on.

Someone I can think of in my life that was there for a REASON is my friend Leah. When I was the furthest away from God, and life just seemed to hit rock bottom she showed up. She brought me back from what seemed to be a hopeless life. She listened and gave me great advise. Her kids and mine became fast friends I still remember the long talks by the pool, and late night cries. Then I moved to Orlando and lost touch with her. I miss her greatly!!!

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because it's time to grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh, they may teach you something you have never done, they usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real BUT only for a season.

Laura, she came into my life for a SEASON. Winter season of 2011-2012. She was one of my coaches for Team in Training. She really taught me a lot in that short Season. She taught me how to eat right for a 1/2 marathon, She taught me proper stretches and she gave me great training tips. But the best thing she ever did for me was to teach me to believe in myself. During a training she told me she was going to push me so hard I would hate her after. She looked at me at one point and said "if you can talk thenwas I'm not doing my job" then came "SWING THOSE ARMS NO TALKING"   I did the fastest  I had ever done, and it was a turning point for me, I finally believed I could do this, and I did.  Now when I hear people in the TNT circle joking about coach Laura and repeating that phrase too, it warms my heart, because whether they know it or not THAT phrase changed my life a little more. LAURA changed my life a little more. I miss her greatly. Even thought she's not that far away!! (she moved back up north)

Then there are LIFETIME relationships that teach you those lifetime lessons, things you build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love that person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. These are the people that you see more often that support you and guide you and make life a little better everyday. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

I have so many of those people in my  life right now that I couldn't possibly name them all, and I would hate to offend anyone but I do have to mention a few. Coach Clint, and Coach Rich, you both have taught me valuable lessons in trainings and during my first 1/2 marathon. Lessons that apply to endurance events and life. I look forward to many more races together and lesson learned. Deb and Robyn you are 2 of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. We are so alike it's a little scary at times, but I am truly blessed to have my little TEAM ARIES club. Michelle W., Gina M., Patrice M, Lilianna P & Jessica L, You all have touched my life and your ever growing and giving support and friendships are treasured greatly. Then my family. Mikie, Tyler and Dawn-Marie I love you all so much. You are my  life, and my  main reason for fighting so hard to survive and to improve my life. Larry, through all of our own ups and downs, through the good times and bad time, you are still there. Thank you for putting up with my many mood swings and strong Aries attitude. Mostly thank you for being so understanding of all the time I put into this crazy marathon venture,  and having a little less time with you. The love and support you give me, and all the  extra help at home makes it easier for me.  I love you!!!

Who has touched your life. Who has been apart of each of your seasons???

Run for You, Run for Fun, Run4Life