Marathons and Mental Health Part 4: Calling Yourself By Your Rightful Name
I’m not much of a TV or movie watcher, but Into the Wild is a fantastic biography that tops the list. Disillusioned with modern wealth and a high-stress, high-conflict home, Christopher McCandless leaves home after high school graduation, roaming through North America as a vagabond and hippie, his location completely unknown to his family. He takes on the name “Alexander Supertramp” and introduces himself this way in light-hearted fashion to everyone he befriends, which is basically everyone he meets. His travels, and his life, end in the wilderness of Alaska, where, after wasting away on a limited food supply, he is done in after eating a plant he thought was edible. He realized too late how important it is to identify a plant by its “rightful name”. His final hours are spent returning to inward peace, to himself, and to what he deems his “rightful name” Christopher McCandless.
My Rightful Name
I remember going to see a Sports Massage Therapist during my training for my first half IronMan. A late-in-life athlete, I had spent the last few years discovering all the things my body could do besides sitting at a desk to do school or computer work. I had run several races, any distance up to a half marathon, played around with standup paddleboarding and racquetball, begun lifting weights, and now was dipping my toes into the waters of triathlon. At one point in the therapy session, I was referred to as an athlete–and it completely took me by surprise. When I told the therapist I had never thought of myself as an athlete, he looked at me like I had three heads. I mean, what else do you call someone who trains 10 – 20 hours a week so that they can compete in races that take at least 3 hours to complete and have to see a sports massage therapist occasionally because they’ve pushed their training too far?
Hmmm….okay. Maybe I’m an athlete.
Not only that, the therapist looked at my long, lean build and said, “Lauren, you could be a legend.”
Ok, so hold the phone a minute. Let’s insert a disclaimer here and make sure everyone understands that this 42 year old is incredibly happy to simply finish a race. There is no shame in being at the back of the pack, and I can officially say that I have been the last person on the course, the last person in my age group to finish, and that’s if I even finish at all. So let’s not get any ideas of me standing at the podium (just yet) to accept my medal.
But still…It’s amazing how allowing this little word athlete to land as a “rightful name” for me was game-changing. It inspired a new light and energy in me. It motivated me to keep moving strong and overcome challenges. It exposed a lot of limiting beliefs about myself–I can’t…, I’ll never be able to…., I’m not the one that….. It allowed space for new beliefs and opportunities for growth I didn’t know were possible.
A world of possibility opens when you realize your value, accept your worth, and believe in your rightful name.
Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” I’ll take the liberty to expand this idea to
Whatever you believe you are or believe you’re not, you’re right.
Will you stay stuck believing “I can’t” and “I’m not”, or will you choose to accept your rightful name? That you are….capable, loving, strong, successful, wise. That you are…an athlete, an entrepreneur, a good parent, a loveable partner, good at what you do, worthy of respect, or…..you fill in the blank.
Take a look at the beliefs about yourself you have assumed are true, and decide today what your rightful name is. Choose it, accept it, believe it. Your whole being will align with this belief and you’ll be amazed how it truly becomes you.
About the Author:
Lauren Callahan provides individual and couples therapy to adults and teens. She utilizes a holistic perspective in helping individuals through the struggles they face. If you are struggling with knowing how to help your teen navigate overwhelming emotions or struggle yourself, request an appointment with Lauren today: https://beinspiredcc.clientsecure.me/.
Other Services Offered at Be Inspired:
Individual therapy isn’t the only service provided at our Alexandria, LA and Natchitoches, LA locations. We also offer online therapy, trauma therapy, grief counseling, and anxiety treatment. In addition, we also offer child counseling and teen counseling. Feel free to visit our consulting services, FAQ, or blog pages for helpful info!
