Chapter 6: Default Stories

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your stories with me. The power of connection and empathy is what I believe will build our community. Let’s continue to share our stories and lift each other up. 

I would like to share more from my recent book—Staring Down a Dream: A Mom, a Marathoner, a Mission.

Chapter Six 

Default Stories

Aware of the voice living

inside my head. She isn’t kind

or encouraging—

rather judgy, full of fear.

I tell her to sit down,

put up her feet,

here— have some tea—

while I decide

what else is available to me?

The power of curiosity

comes through.

What else could be true?

Questioning my brain’s

default story—a superpower

that’s mine every time.

To make a shift—

interrupt the replay from

day to day

An internal victory—

I say. 

Managing my mind and meal planning went hand in hand. Each Sunday, when I would sit down to plan my meals for the week, I noticed the thoughts. Aunt Phoebe with her squeaking voice and fear tactics would show up.

That’s too many carbs. How many calories is that? That’s too much food to be eating.

The old thought patterns would float to the surface. This time instead of shoving them back down or agreeing, I nodded and took a deep breath.

I can do this. Yes, we used to think that carbohydrates were not good but now we think differently.

Carbohydrates would be my best energy source for running and I would eat balanced meals to be healthy, happy, and strong. I went back to my why—my children and my future self. 

I would not pass down my default stories about food to my son or daughter. I would no longer sabotage my happiness or health by counting calories or tracking my weight. I was in a position to teach my children—to help them establish a healthy relationship with food and I took this role very seriously.

I had the knowledge to take into the kitchen to prepare healthy balanced meals for myself and my family and the confidence to teach my children not to be misled by diet trends, fads, and the diet industry.

I was starting to write a new story for myself.

I am becoming the person who believes healthy food is my fuel for my workouts and to assist in my recovery after long hard runs. I’m committed to preparing healthy meals daily to be happy, healthy, and strong. I will treat my relationship with food as I do my relationship with myself and my family.

I was missing this piece for many years. I’m forever grateful for Marni guiding me and that our paths crossed. 

Please feel free to share this with someone you love. If you would like to continue the conversation or would like a free copy of my book please reach out. 

I would be happy to drop off a few copies at the Dewitt Store Location.  

Take good care,

Julie

Connect with me— Facebook/ Run to Write 

Author of: Staring Down a Dream: A Mom, a Marathoner, a Mission/ My Road: A Runners Journey Through Persistent Pain to Healing 

Listen to a poem every Thursday: Run to Write Poetry Podcast