The Amazing Race

We love watching the Amazing Race at our house. We take pleasure living vicariously through others as they race around the globe while we sit in the comfort of our home without the stress that accompanies frenzied travel. Without fail once a week, my husband reminds me that he would not choose me to gallivant across the world with him if we ever thought to enter the show, as he says I couldn’t handle the stress. That makes me laugh; I’m forever being fired from our imagined Amazing Race adventure.

Of course, we’re always a week or two or three behind on the episodes because television falls far behind in the priority list, but nonetheless, I’m grateful for the ability to record and view shows whenever the opportunity presents itself. Recently, we watched the episode where Kaylani and Lisa were eliminated from the race in Indonesia. They weren’t my favorite team in earnest, but I suddenly took notice of them when Kaylani Paliotta, a single mother, mentioned that she was running the race for her daughter. She mentioned that she feared her four year would be disappointed that she hadn’t won. That comment made me stop and pay attention as well as wish that they hadn’t been eliminated from the race.

At four years old, I can imagine that her daughter would be nothing short of thrilled to see her and the race would be the farthest thing from her mind. Even so, I can relate to the drive that our children inspire within us without their knowledge. I think about my children every time I endeavor to do something outside of my comfort zone. I think of them when I’m having a particularly challenging day realizing that they too will have days like this.  I must show them that when life gives you a momentary punch, surrender is not an option.  I even think of them when I’m having a particularly good day hoping that I can teach my children that positive thoughts breed a positive life. What’s more, they are my constant motivation for following my dreams, as I wish to show them that they can accomplish anything that they set their mind to, and that they can be what they envision.

It sounds so straightforward, but it can be difficult to lead by example. I have heard that motherhood is the steepest path to enlightenment, and I believe that is true, but I also believe that our children never seem to notice our perceived or actual shortcomings. They do not seem to care if we win the Amazing Race of life; rather, they offer unrestricted, unconditional, and absolute love no matter our deficiencies. And perhaps that is why our children motivate us. It is that endless supply of love, and the knowledge that they’re in our corner regardless of the circumstances. It is these things that fuel us to do our very best because in the end it is all about encouragement.

Embrace Your MOMentum

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