The more I thought about what I get to do, the less I realized I had to do. It was just a shift, just a new perspective, just a new and more grateful method for labeling the things in my life. Think about it—if you stopped yourself every single time you were about to say, "I have to" and changed it to "I get to," it might change your entire experience.

While checking my email one morning, I heard the expected "bing" of my Outlook Express telling me I had new mail. At times I feel a bit of excitement thinking it may be my mom sending me a "Good Morning!" or maybe I have a new coupon or save this much email. Although, I don't have the money, it is still exciting to see that I could save 30% more at American Eagle because I signed up to get their emails. Maybe I am getting a new cookie recipe! Yum!
Well on this day it was none of the above, rather, it was a wonderful Runner's World Quote of the day email. For quite sometime, I was never truly in a good mood running wise so I stopped reading them. I felt that if I did not read them, I would not feel guilty about how awful my runs were going. How much I would have rather slept and cuddled up than put myself through a few miles of pure torture.
For some reason, something was pushing me to click on this email. Open it. Read it.
Upon a quick tap of the bar a slight cringe through my shoulders causing my eyes to shut slightly, I leaned backwards trying to avoid the blow I was going to face.
Though, no blow at all. This beautiful quote. One that inspired me to immediately put on my shoes and get out the door. And fly. I hadn't done it in far too long. And I still haven't since. But I know that I can. I get to.
What if I put this quote to use in everything I do, not just running? I get to wake up in the morning. I get to run twice a day. I get to eat oatmeal with berries. I get to hang out with a seven year old every morning before I take him to school. I get to wait for someone to finally respond to my resume. I get to.
I get to believe. I get to have faith. I get to have joy in my life even when I don't think I deserve any. I get to stand up and smile every day. Especially when I don't feel like I can. I get to.
More importantly, I get to live. There are days that are definitely worse than others. Days when I just feel exhausted. Cannot move. Days when my down comforter weighs me down and feels warmer than the brisk air filling my bedroom. I don't have to get up and face the day. I GET to.

So live. love. laugh. believe. dream. achieve. take chances. Not because you have to. But because you get to.