Running Isn't Hard (by Marlo Taylor)

I’m not a natural runner. In fact, while I have been blessed with a body more than physically capable of running, over the years I have been lacing up my shoes it’s never really gotten easier – mentally or physically. I do it because I like to feel strong and I love crossing the finish line. But the actual act of running? Not so much.

I am also a compulsive scheduler. If there’s a minute in the day, let’s fill it! My mantra: Relaxing is for the weak! Interestingly, though, I rarely proactively book that time for my runs so am consistently bemoaning the fact that I can’t fit them in. How am I expected to run and do all the other things I tell myself are day-to-day necessities?

I used to think this whole running thing was hard. Doing it, making time for it . . . hard, right? No. Running isn’t hard. At least not in the ways I've been complaining about.

What’s hard is needing to escape an abusive situation, find a safe place for you and possibly your kids, and face an uncertain future. What’s hard is being courageous when your body and heart hurt. What’s hard is truly believing no one – including you – deserves to live with violence.

I’m running because it’s the least I can do to help while other women are doing the truly heavy lifting.

2 for 2 is hoping to raise $4,000. For $4,000 we can help two women tackle what’s really hard. We can help them as they take on the challenge of imaging what comes next for them and their families as independent, hopefully thriving entrepreneurs. We can support their business development as they try to create financial stability.

Tonight, I’ll lace up my shoes (and likely whine while doing it), but I’ll come home to a house that is safe and I will sleep well because there is no threat to either me or my children. Imagine being able to help two more women find their path to that kind of peace of mind.

If you can, please support 2 for 2 at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/2-for-2-marathon-two-sisters-for-two-women/.  

True Story: Why We're Running

Since One Spark's inception, I have often said that I wish everyone involved with One Spark could sit at the table with the women entrepreneurs we work with and experience their determination to courageously carve out a new path.  As a means of sharing our partnership with the women we support, I asked one of our clients if she would be willing to write a short description of her experience working with One Spark.  With her permission (and her enthusiasm: she is extremely eager to share her story for any others it may touch and/or benefit), I am sharing her words. 

"What I would like to say is that for the first time, I have had the greatest experience during this whole endeavor and none of it would be happening without One Spark. I have gained confidence, not only in myself, but as a women with substance that does have something to bring to the table. One Spark has listened to my idea's, even during the current struggles that I continue to have. They give me a direction and keep me on track as this has to be one of the hardest things to accomplish as an abused women, especially with children. The support from all of the experienced board members and all that they have to offer is supreme to say the least.

All the support that I have received could not be written in this letter as there is not enough words to explain. What needs to be said though is that even knowing the experience that the board members bring to the table along with Corrie Schneider's knowledge, none of this could happen without funding. As we all know, all the experience, all of the hard work, no matter the idea, can't be done without money or funding in any way.

I hope that you see the benefits in helping this wonderful and well needed Organization and all that it will do for our future as human beings.

Thank you so much."

Please consider supporting the "2 for 2" marathon to raise money for start-up business grants for two women: we're 2 sisters running for 2 women entrepreneurs.  Our goal is $4,000, the cost of 2 One Spark start-up grants for women impacted by violence.  You can make a donation at:

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/2-for-2-marathon-two-sisters-for-two-women/

Thank you for your support!

A One Spark Mother's Day Wish

We truly work with some amazing moms at One Spark.  Here's to these incredible women - and all moms - on Mother's Day.