Kathy Stolecki
(619) 322-5052
  • Home
  • About Kathy
  • Blog
  • Coaching
  • Book
  • Contact

The Power of Perseverance

7/25/2018

2 Comments

 
I just completed the 100 Day Dash and racked up over one million steps! My employer sponsors this event each year. This experience got me thinking about the power of perseverance.  Today I’d like to share my story with you to illustrate the role perseverance plays in any successful endeavor, even with the task of moving through grief and loss.  
 
According to Merriam-Webster perseverance by definition is: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : steadfastness
 
I’ve been an athlete all my life and as a health and wellness coach I value health and well-being.  When I turned 50 and experienced 'the change’ I found it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise and eating right have become even more essential. 
 
I’ve had a couple of challenges on my health journey the past few months.  This past March I got bit by a dog on my left calf and was unable to exercise for several weeks. When it was just about healed, I got a bad case of poison ivy and was put on steroids, so exercise was out of the question for another couple of weeks.
 
When I finally got the green light to exercise, the 100 Day Dash, which started in April, was well underway.  The end of May I started jogging in the early morning with my two dogs, Taiji and Ella. Initially, my dogs and the Dash were my primary motivation for getting up early and out the door by 6:30-7am.
 
Gradually my step count increased as my stamina improved.  At first I only reached 8-9K steps/day.  Eventually I stayed consistent with over 10K/day, and for 43 days in a row I was able to achieve over 12K steps! Now, to me, that’s pretty impressive.  But I coach a woman who is about 10 years older than I, and she has over 370 consecutive days of over 10K steps. Talk about an inspiration! She provided the ‘kick in the butt’ I needed to stay the course. If she could do it, I could, too. 
 
Don’t get me wrong. There were times I didn’t think I’d meet the goal my Garmin set for me. Each time I reached the goal (10K/day, then 11K/day and now the goal is set for over 12K/day) my Garmin upped the ante!
 
Success breeds confidence, and with each day of ‘goal met’ under my belt my confidence not only increased but my ability to strategize took on an informed nature.  ‘Get those steps in early in the day as often as possible’ became my mantra.  One day I reached 11K by 11am! I was amazed at what I had accomplished.  I held a picture of a ‘movie day’ in my mind, having a relaxing afternoon on that rainy Sunday.  The thought of not having those steps hanging over my head provided the motivation.  I finished that day with over 13K steps!
 
Ok. You can see that I’m blown away by the power of perseverance and how it helped me reach over one million steps in the past 100 days, most of which came in the past 42 days. 
 
‘Kathy. What does this have to do with moving through grief and loss?’, you may ask. 
 
Persistence may help you find the courage and inner strength to move through the painful feelings and experiences following loss. You will build resiliency as you move closer to acceptance of what is, fueled by knowing and trusting that peace of mind is on the other side of grief.  
 
I am looking forward to your Share on this topic of perseverance:
  • When have you used your inner strength of perseverance to complete something worthwhile?
  • What thoughts, actions or support was needed in order to persevere?
  • How can perseverance assist you now, with whatever you are dealing with? 
 
To Comment, just click the blue Comment on the page or see the field below. If you prefer to share just your first name, that works!
 
Until next time, be kind, persevere and Shine Your Light!
2 Comments
Judy
7/26/2018 10:52:02 am

In order to persevere, I believe one has to have a guiding light, and a faith that though you may be in a difficult time now, it won't always be that way. That light drives you to do the daily actions.

Reply
Kathy Stolecki
7/26/2018 01:38:34 pm

Absolutely!! Just love the way you put that, Judy!! Thank you!!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    About Kathy

    As a National Certified Health and Wellness Coach, I specialize in the following issues:
    • dealing with grief and loss
    • issues related to growing up in an alcoholic/dysfunctional family, ie self-esteem, grief, stress management, inner child.
    • quitting smoking or vape
    I have been on a spiritual quest throughout my life, seeking answers to some of life’s deep questions: 
    • Why are we here? 
    • What happens after we die?
    • If God is Love, why does God allow us to suffer pain and loss?
    • How can we find peace and joy amidst the challenges and changes in life? 
    I have long been drawn to these deep ponderings, as well as to a life of service. I entered the convent at 20 years old, was blessed to get sober while in the convent, felt led to leave two years later, and then continued my spiritual journey.

    You can read my spiritual memoir ‘Waking Up Sober in a Convent – and Other Spiritual Adventures’ – click on the Book tab at top of page or go to www.KathyStolecki.com 
    ​
    Along the way I’ve found spiritual tools to aid my recovery from addictions and codependency, have learned the power of being true to myself, have discovered the gift of freedom by dealing with grief and loss and have found spiritual nuggets of GOLD which I’m so excited to share with you! I will be sharing these nuggets with you in my blog.

    I am also available to support you on your journey as your Coach. See my Coaching page for more information. 

    I am eager to hear from you: 
    • what challenges do you face? 
    • what helps you get through tough times? 
    Comment Feature is now working. Just click on 'Comments' and leave your comment. I look forward to hearing from you!!

    Archives

    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    January 2018

    Categories

    All
    Press & Media

    RSS Feed

Home | About | Coaching | Book | Blog | Contact

©2004 Kathy Stolecki. All rights reserved. Login