“We cannot waste our precious children.
Not another one, not another day.” – Nelson Mandela
***************
The beauty about this blogosphere of ours is that we are constantly inspired by strong, passionate, intelligent women.
All with experiences to share, often instilling a profound message.
While wanting to do it for some time now, admittedly it was Eden and Trish’s stories that motivated me to finally become a World Vision sponsor.
While dealing with the unexpected emotions, “meeting” my sponsored child in Indonesia taught me some important life lessons.
The main one being I know I can do more.
Give more.
In less than 5 weeks, I’m running the City2Surf for the third consecutive year (Yeah, I’m nuts like that).
Having done half a dozen fun runs now, there’s an amazing feeling with this particular one. The community spirit soars right through the 14 kilometre trail.
Even during the gruelling moments, it’s like being a tiny leaf, swept along the currents of a fast flowing river. The feeling of being part of something very special is palpable.
This might sound even crazier, but running with a purpose helps ignore the blisters and the aching limbs.
You think about how the race can be important for others; your achievements are no longer celebrated solely by you; you realise efforts are far more worthwhile when others can benefit.
The first year, I ran for the twinlets who were 6 months old at the time. And while I was so overwhelmed with the physical challenges, (Yup, I was still breastfeeding at the time…) there was something intangible, yet incredible that kept me running right through to the finish line.
It’s true when they say love can conquer all.
This year, I’m putting into action the notion that I can do more.
Leading up to the race in mid-August, I’ve opened up a City2Surf fundraising page for WorldVision Australia.
Feel free to donate.
The goal is to raise $1,000 over the next month or so. Even if I only raise half, that’s enough to sponsor 10 families for a month.
Nothing left to say except…I’m pumped!
There’s so much passion and love for this race. With such a worthy cause to steer me through, I know I’m going to blitz it.
Last year, I smashed my PBT by 5 minutes.
Another 5 this year, perhaps?
Bring. It. On !!!
Joining the lovely Jess for IBOT
Go you! What a wonderful idea. Wishing you all the best
Rhianna recently posted..The Blank Screen
Yay!!!!! Your blog no longer hates my comments I was sent to spam 🙂
Rhianna recently posted..The Blank Screen
Thanks, Rhianna! Yes, I’ve been meaning to tell you, I went to my spam folder and found 7 of your comments!!!
Thanks so much for sponsoring me too! x
Excellent!! You are doing something wonderful. I hope you well and truly exceed your goals. Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..Seven things your shoes say about you
Thanks, Rachel. Fingers crossed! x
WOW!!! you go girl – honestly so awesome and inspiring!!!
xx
#teamIBOT
Lyndal recently posted..waiting, waiting on the world to change
Thanks, Lyndal! It’s going to be tough, but I’m all ready to give it a red hot go! x
Good on you! Go for it I say! It really is a beautiful thing you’re doing, and you should be proud of yourself!
Chrissie xx
Chrissie at Me and My Munchkin recently posted..Our First Aid Kit
Thanks, Chrissie! I think it’ll be an awesome day 🙂 x
Good luck Grace! Oh u are inspiring me too. Maybe next yr I will join some marathon races 🙂 I like what u said abt running with a purpose other than yourself…
Ai Sakura recently posted..Blog Makeover 2012 | What I Did and Why
Thanks, Ai! You could totally do it! There’s probably some great fun runs where you are 🙂
‘Even during the gruelling moments, it’s like being a tiny leaf, swept along the currents of a fast flowing river.’ I loved this line Gracie. Beautiful.
Your pretty inspirational yourself honey! Proud of you. xx
Penny recently posted..Children’s and Young Adult Writers and Illustrators Conference 2012
Thanks, Penny! Always nice to hear your words of encouragement x
Ooo Good luck!!! Very inspirational!! Love the cause hope you do well and beat your PBT again!!! 🙂
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts recently posted..DTLS turns one {Blogoversary Giveaway}
Awesome! There is something truly exhilarating about finishing a race. All the best, and a great cause you’re running for.
Debbie recently posted..Hands and Wings
Thanks, Debbie! It’ll be tough but I’m so up for it! 🙂
Wow, this is awesome!
Becky from BeckyandJames.com recently posted..Me and PND: The Little Pill
Thank you, Becky!!! x
You’re amazing. I will absolutely sponsor you x
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..The "C" word
Thanks, Catherine! So sweet of you to sponsor me…thank you! x
This is so wonderful Grace! And I love how you are so bouyed by your purpose that you forget the blisters and pain! You’ve inspired me to start training for the Bridge to Brisbane, which I’ve run the last few years but haven’t registered for (yet!). Keep up the training!
Misha recently posted..Average
Oh, I’ve heard about the Bridge to Brisbane. I think the community spirit there would be just as awesome! Go for it, Misha! x
You legend! Love this! How great that you have done this race and will now do it for a great cause as well!
We have two Compassion children and it is a family dream to go and visit them. How awesome!
Great post! Love!
B recently posted..Life: 10 Ways To B Cool @ A Conference
Thanks, B!
What a great family dream you have there! Hope you meet your Compassion children soon x
Awesome goal Grace! Such a great charity to run your heart out for xx
So impressed – the C2S is something I’ve often thought about, vaguely, but it seems like a mammoth task. You are our very own JLo (who ran the NY Marathon just after she had her twins – FOR her twins, just like you!) And you’re keeping it real… still our Gracie from the Block.
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..OMG: It’s another stupid diet
LOL! Rachel, you crack me up! “Gracie from the Block” – love it! Can I use it ? 🙂
Good Grief Grace…are you competitive? I never realised..:-)
ok ok….I am in awe of your physicality and the way you use your mental and physical strength for good.
Go, Grace, Go.
Those twinlets will be out with flags for Mummy …wont they Daddy?!
Love D xx
Denyse Whelan Education Specialist recently posted..Back To School Survival Tips.
You can’t have an extensive sales career without being competitive, D 🙂
The trail goes right by our place so yes, the boys will be out there cheering for me. x
Go for it, Grace! Sorry I can’t join you this year…
Tat recently posted..A surprise art lesson
I’m going to miss you, Tat! But you know what that means? It’s going to be our one year anniversary 🙂
Go you good thing, what a wonderful and inspring thing to do. and an awesome charity to get behind. I wish you all the best with it hun xx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups recently posted..Sorry Am I Overreacting Again? $%#$^&%#%!
Thanks, Son! Love doing the C2S and doing some fundraising just makes it that much more worthwhile 🙂
Good luck with your run. It’s very inspiring.
Rita recently posted..How far would you go for love?
Thanks, Rita. It’s going to be a fun day.
Good on you Grace!
You are certainly an inspiration, my dear!
xx
Tracey @ Bliss Amongst Chaos recently posted..Surrendering To Grief
Thanks, Tracey! It’s going to be a tough slog but I’m completely up for it!
Good luck Grace-ie! I have yet to make possible one bucket list for this year, run at least one run.
ava recently posted..The Groove
Thanks, Ava! You’ll get there…I know you will x
I’ll be cheering you on from across the pond! You’re right, running with a purpose makes it easier & better!
Bridget recently posted..WTF Wednesday
You know what it’s about 🙂
So that’s the secret ingredient, “running with a purpose.” Although fitness and longevity seem to be a just cause, they do nothing for my knees. You go, woman! Good luck.
Nami recently posted..Lewis And Clark And What’s-Her-Name
14 kms is so awesome Grace, as is 3 years in a row. Good luck with raising lots of funds and smashing your PB. xx
Lee recently posted..Marriage equality and being anti-marriage all at once
If the roller blades weren’t enough, you run too!? Good on you. Especially the year the boys were only 6 months. I’m not sure I could even get to my sneakers at that point, let alone put them on and run somewhere! So inspirational Grace, I might even be tempted to find some running shoes… 🙂 x
Kate @ Our Little Sins recently posted..day 50 + day 51 | 100 Pantone postcards project … and a giveaway
What a great achievement, good for you. Have fun, I will go and sponsor something soon xx
Alicia O’Brien recently posted..Who plants roses?!
That’s amazing Grace, I’ll share your fundraising page on my FB one. Hope you reach and surpass your goal x
workingwomenuas recently posted..What do children know about the carbon tax?
I am still hoping to run the City to Surf or walk if not. I think I will only have had one dose chemo prior and be at the tail end of side effects . We have to met up at the end, you will get there before me :). So hang around .
Trish recently posted..Today – the wall !
Will definitely be hanging around to catch up with you, Trish! I’ll email you before the race to arrange a roundabouts place to meet 🙂 x
I love your heart! I know what you are doing is making a massive difference to those in need, as a former World Vision employee I know that the money does amazing things. My sponsor child’s name is ‘Innocent Mandela’ and we share the same birthday, as soon as I picked up his card there was no way I was going to be able to put it down again. Hope you smash your PBT!
Karen recently posted..How to make Ethical Shopping Choices Everyday
Oh, what a precious name! And to share the same birthday! It was meant to be!!! 🙂
What a great cause to run for – best of luck with it all.
Happylan recently posted..Five
Thank you! I’m really looking forward to it ! 🙂
I can’t believe it’s coming up that time of year again. You are so amazing! Good on you for doing it for World Vision this time. Fabulous idea. I admire your determination and your ability to just DO it. x
Deb @ Bright & Precious recently posted..Angels and Demons
Wow! Hasn’t the year just flown by! 🙂
It just felt right – to run for World Vision this year. x
Grace – so inspiring to read your blog and also know you’re on the team!! Nice to meet you! I head up the Team World Vision program and will be cheering you along at the City2Surf. I wish you the very best with your fundraising – let us know if we can help you in any way! 🙂
Hi Rose, thanks for dropping by my blog!
I am thrilled to be running for World Vision this year. It’s a charity that I’ve always had an interest in and to now finally be a part is a truly amazing feeling.
Thanks for the support!