For a reason I'm not smart enough to explain, we often associate ourselves with some inspirational  poem, quote, or phrase. Maybe it's something that makes us feel heard or maybe strikes a chord with where we're at in life? If I were to ask you your favorite quote, would you be able to rattle it off? 

For myself, there are always two quotes that are top of mind: "pain lasts a day, regret lasts a lifetime" and "You are nothing but the fruit". The first of the two quotes was my rallying cry prior to big races. Where the quote reinforced my mindset to embrace the fight as pain would inevitably come. From a runner's perspective, there is nothing more frustrating than reflecting on a race and thinking about where you gave up or why you didn't push harder. I think we can all generally agree if you gave someone a split second decision to either run up a hill or down a hill, they are more apt to choose downhill. By mentally preparing myself to climb the mountain when I reached the "Y" in my path, I was more willing to embrace the pain during a race.

For the second quote, I discovered the inspiration while reading this article by David Wong. This is one of my favorite quotes due to its applicability to any scenario and is one of the main reasons I decided to start my blog and name it after this quote. The phrase, "You are nothing but the fruit" can be boiled down to the following analogy: A tree can claim that it's an apple tree but their peers won't see them as an apples tree until they start bearing fruit. The same principle applies to life, I'm caring because I ask you how your day is going, I'm determined because I never skip leg day, I'm a cereal connoisseur because I eat 3 family sized boxes each week.

Ever since reading this article, I've sought out ways to continually bear my fruit. One way I like to subtly grow myself in a direction I want, is by creating a yearly bucket list on my birthday. I start by determining the core characteristics I hope to portray. In example, this year I'm focusing on learning, running, adventure, caring, and financial responsibility. I take these core components that I'd like to portray and create bucket list tasks to complete in the year. That's my project management 101 coming out of me. How do you like them apples?

Bucket List- age 26

1. Learning
   1. Start blog
   2. Code a program
   3. Research stocks and take some risks
   4. Read at least 12 books
   5. Make 12 new meals
2. Financially Responsible
   1. Make 12 new meals
   2. Save/invest 50% of income
   3. Get a credit card
3. ​Running
   1. Qualify for Olympic Trials in the Marathon
   2. Run a PR on the track
   3. Run a new race
4. Adventure
   1. Get Passport- adventure
   2. Eat at 12 new restaurants in Des Moines
   3. Go on a vacation someplace new
   4. Create a big get together with friends- Vacation? 
5. Caring
   1. Do something for mom and dad
   2. Buy a book for a different friend each month
   3. Do something for the siblings
   4. Volunteer for something- habitat for humanity? Volunteer for construction in trade of knowledge? ​