Sometimes I feel like I’m not getting anywhere fast; the daily routines just seem like a drop in the bucket of what I’m trying to accomplish. However, I know that in time, those drops will add up and my bucket will be not only be full, it will overflow. (Hopefully this will occur sometime before I actually kick the bucket!!)
Me, Jason and his sister at the start of a very wet and rainy trail race!
Jason and I ran a trail race this past Saturday and it was literally raining buckets! We’ve decided that we want to run a half-marathon trail race next spring, so training begins now.
I took up running many years ago as a way to get fit after having children. I’ve run two marathons and several half-marathons over the last few years, but it was during a period of time where I wasn’t sewing very much.
Once I rekindled my desire to quilt (all the time), running fell by the wayside (and I gained a few pounds…) Now I’m learning to find balance with both hobbies I love – quilting and running.
Peaceful view from the trail. I was trying to catch the next person up ahead in front of me. (I did!)
Even though I yearn to run at the speeds and distances I used to, I know it will take time to once again build up my endurance. Each daily run is another drop in the bucket towards my goal.
I think this is very similar to my goals for quilting, both personally and professionally. Sometimes it seems like it will take forever to design and make all the quilts I desire, and even longer to get them in front of the people who I most want to see them. However, each stitch I take and each quilt I make is another drop in this bucket, too.
Jason at the finish – you got to ring a bell at the end! How cool!
Most of all I’m learning patience. I’m the sort of person that wants it all done now, but I’m slowly coming to the realization that substantial goals are worth waiting for and worth striving for: day by day, step by step, and drop by drop.
Christa Quilts 
patience and balance. I seem to struggle with those as well!
G for you for running. There are so many interesting things we want to do and so little time. Even since I retired there isn’t enough. Just remember to take time for your family too. The kids will be gone before you know it.
Thanks for a great post, Christa. I needed this today. It’s inspiring! I’ve had trouble balancing my hobbies too, and I feel better knowing I’m not alone!
Good points you’ve made. I slow came to the realization that I won’t be running anywhere ever again, just lucky to be walking a 20-minute mile. =)
We always quote that scene from What About Bob? “Baby Steps onto the elevator, Baby Steps Into the Elevator, I’m IN the elevator!” 🙂
I find that some of my best quilt ideas come when I am out running!
Balance is defenitly the key.
I started running this fall (while pushing my two kids in a stroller), and have also had to find a new balance of sewing vs running vs the rest of life. My goal is to do a 5K with them in the spring. I’ve been dealing with a lot of frustration and disappointment with my sewing speeds this fall–seems like everything takes SO long to complete, and there are a hundred more things I want to start (and finish) RIGHT NOW. But…this is my life, and I don’t have a lot of time to spend on my sewing right now…maybe someday I’ll have more, but until then I just try to be content with what I am able to do.
Thanks, I needed a reminder of this today!
good for you, perserverance and patience are so worth striving for. wish you all the luck, have fun training
Christa, most of all remember to be gentle with yourself. Practicing kindness and compassion for yourself will help you find a quiet space in your life where the voices of what you need and want to do fade away. Just a couple minutes of sitting in a quiet place will help with that balance–nothing fancy.. And don’t forget to breathe!
Thank you for all you do!
Balance is good. If you are off balance you can’t get your bucket full–it will keep spilling out.
Ha ha! So true!
Your post hit home for me. I like the way you put it – “day by day, step by step, and drop by drop”. t’s great that you are finding a good balance. Thank you!
Love this Christa! I just took up running about a year ago!! Such a good analogy and I am completely like you when it comes to wanting things done NOW! I want instant gratification, but with quilting it is a very SLOW process–I’m learning! It’s also the same with running like you mentioned. You can’t just wake up and run a marathon if you haven’t properly trained. Good things take time! Thanks for the inspiration!
Way to go and you have a great mental attitude for running too.
Thanks for reminding me that moment by moment is just fine. All those ideas swirling about can just take their turn.
I think we have a lot in common Christa 🙂 I also want to do it all!! TODAY!!! Building a career out of my sewing passion and becoming a runner have taught me a lot about being patient. A few running injuries equaling months of no running definitely helped with that! I hope you keep us updated about your half training 🙂
My husband reminds me all the time that I lack patience. It’s a girl thing, I believe. So I congratulate you on pursuing your passions with patience, determination and a goal. It’s a win-win!!!
Wow! Great job balancing, Christa. In our household, my husband is the runner and I’m the quilter.
Good for you! We all need a little balance in our lives. And you are sew right. Each little drop will add up!
What an inspiration you are! It sounds to me like you have your eye on the prize. I envy anyone who can run. You go girlfriend!
Thanks for your insight, Christa! It seems like the older we get, the more we want things to get done … now. We forget that slow but steady is the way to go and that we need to enjoy all the paths on the way to the finish line.