What is In Pursuit Of More?
"The blog about living with
(just a little) less. By going without, we can gain - by giving to those who
have less. Want to make a change in your eating habits for the better? Imagine
how you can turn that into something positive for those who would otherwise go
hungry. Go without so others don't have to. That's living with (just a little)
less."
My interest in Shira's recipes
(so delish), her authentic approach to simplicity, how she opts for quality over
quantity and her willingness to share freely and openly with others struck a precious cord in
me and I wanted to explore this further.
Much of what Shira writes about parallels how I feel about my own goals
in sports and triathlon whilst juggling other important responsibilities such
as my career and friendships. How does one dial in on quality, prioritize and live with passion
while turning down the volume just a
little? My question to Shira was not only HOW she does it but WHY she does it?
Of late I have been noticing that my meal time and food preparation (and food
quality) were suffering. In a haste, I
opt to shop when convenient (spend more at something close and quick), select
mediocre produce, prepare dull, quick and tasteless meals while finishing up
work at my laptop without even enjoying the oversteamed broccoli. In Pursuit of More showcases (with glorious photographs!!) locally grown produce
prepared simply and delectably for even the lamest of chefs out there. Reading her past blogs and recipe posts (and fantastic quotes mixed in) caused me to
pause and reconsider not only my food prep but also the rhythm of my life,
training and relationships.
Clearly passion and a sense of fulfillment fuels Shira every time she posts another recipe or leads another cooking
class for her spun-off charity Not So Fast. And so authentic is her passion
that her efforts do not feel like a chore. Rather it feels purposeful. The glimmer in her eye says it all. That's her WHY.
And so, thanks to Shira, I am attempting to live with a little less but gain a
little more.
I find myself testing new recipes (although repeating the ones I love),
shopping for local, quality and wholesomeness (even using cream in my JJ Bean coffee!) and
spending more time doing what I love a little more and less time doing what I
don't.
Shira has
figured out her Why. What about your Why? Why do we do what we do? More
personally, why do I do triathlon with such intent and focus? Why do I yearn to
step on the start line with nerves rattling and all the logistics to get there?
Why do I train hard every week and seemingly suffer with intensity and often
fatigue? Why do I lap up every scientific article
about fueling, heart rate, wattage and aerodynamic gear?
As I drove solo to Oliver for the
race, I begun to answer these questions for myself (cuz without Steph, it just
wasn't gonna be as much fun!). I wanted
to be clear with my self why I was hauling all my gear, driving 5 hours,
staying in a crappy motel and sacrificing time with friends. Sound like a pity
party unfolding? In fact the reverse...
Once clarity struck, here is what
was uncovered:
- The Line. I live and thrive on putting myself on the line to see what there is to give. In the case of racing, that line is a start line. In the case of life, that line is when every day begins.
- The Tipping Point. Training purposefully and racing forces me to balance on the edge and challenges me to do it. This tipping point, as I see it, is energizing and exciting. Who doesn't love excitement?
- The Education. I learn, boy do I learn, about other people, integrity, values, self respect, respect for others and camaraderie. Sometimes I fail to live up to my own standards of character with a sense of healthy competitiveness and sometimes I surpass them. Either way, I learn.With every training session and race, a sense of gratification, completion and fulfillment sets in. Good or bad, this is fact and for the moment, its working for me. Maybe someday, I'll turn to knitting, gardening, yoga or nothing for the same experience.
- The People. Maybe I should have started with this one but the people I meet from all over the world and from one street away fill me with more motivation than anything. I look forward to group training sessions for the exchange and interconnectedness. I look forward to bringing out the best of each other because we are together. When we are all spent, tired or low on glycogen, our true character comes out. If lucky enough to carry those people home (and vis versa) you are forever bonded. Bike-bonding is the best. #teamwork
- The Energy. I got energy to burn. Yup, since I was a kid, I couldn't sit still. Sport is a channel for all of it and more...
- The Potential. I believe that we all have excessive amounts of untapped potential. How close can we get to our potential? How much is mental vs. physical vs. nutritional vs. genetical? I dunno but am damn curious to keep tapping on the door.
My Why Words: Challenge, Improvement,
Toughness, Execution, Success, Control, Effort, Rhythmical, Discipline,
Commitment, Passion.
The Why is different for everyone.
Knowing your Why is important for many reasons but mainly to ensure you are
training and racing (or whatever it is you choose to do with your
precious time) from your heart and can articulate your reasons to your own self. No one else needs an explanation.
I raced in honor of Steph last
Sunday and won. Even sweeter was the
victory thanks to my Why clarity and knowing this win was as much hers as it
was mine.
I would love to hear about your Why.
Christine
