Why?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this upcoming hike my daughter and I decided to take on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation — I fully realize my friends think I’m crazy. I’m also aware my friends and family probably think I’ll quit before it ever happens.
Fair enough…while I’m fairly tenacious about most things, I’m usually not when it comes to my own health and fitness. (Or at least I haven’t been in quite a few years.)
My daughter’s friend asked...”I know why you and your mom are fundraising for Make-A-Wish, and that’s great. But why bother with the hike?”
In other words, she was asking, what is your why?
I love asking that question…but I sure don’t always love answering it, because the answer isn’t a simple one.
Why would I choose to hike 28.3 miles when I could just fundraise and be done with the entire thing?
Because. I. can.
I don’t have a million dollars or I probably really would just meet the goal. (I do usually take the easy way out of things.) What I have is an inch-thick pile of medical bills sitting unopened on the kitchen counter after my husband’s recent stroke.
I have a recent history of starting and stopping probably a dozen workout programs because I was too lazy to get off my rear end and get back to it.
I also have the ability to walk.
And talk.
And do hard things.
I have a daughter who’s shown me what it looks like not to quit — to keep going even when your legs don’t want to work quite right.
I had a mother who taught me to never give up, even — and especially — when the going gets toughest.
I have a husband who faced his own mountain a few months ago and continues to fight hard every day to recover.
Many of these kids we’re raising funds for don’t have the ability to physically climb a mountain, but they’re certainly climbing a different kind of mountain. What Make-A-Wish does is come alongside them with the encouragement to keep pushing through the next leg of the journey. Some make it to the top and cross the finish line victorious. Others make it as high as their bodies will let them, and their victories look a little different.
So, the real question I’m asking myself is, why not?
I’ve already started the training by purposely walking one mile every day — pretty doable considering most of us walk that far without trying.
Next week I’ll add a mile, and continue doing so each week till I get to six. Next weekend, we’ll start adding a training hike to the mix and gradually build on that until we reach the goal.
And there you have it…my why.
I’m choosing my hard.
Want to help?
You can donate one of three ways:
If you own a business (or work for one) who wishes to support Make-A-Wish directly by sponsoring The Nantz Team, follow this link. (please feel free to email me at nantz.tami@gmail.com with any questions or if you need a w9 form)
Donate any amount directly to Make-A-Wish on my behalf.
Donate any amount directly to Make-A-Wish on behalf of the Nantz Team.