Coaching Testimonial: Kathy Oliver
Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12:32PM Although I am a woman, now unbelievably to me—approaching 60(!) I am a busy, active teacher who, after attending a talk by Kristin Armstrong in our area felt the “call” to serve the very needy (but so wonderful) students at our school. Recently I have had to face some unexpected losses in my life and being able to fill my cup by GIVING in this very small way these past two weeks in GOTR has brought me incredible JOY, almost beyond words.
All my life I have struggled with my weight and still do, so this is a huge stretch for me to put on the clothes, the shoes and get out there with the girls. Just writing you and admitting it, putting it “out there” touches such a nerve (probably part of never quite feeling like I measured up—always needing to lose weight—still—again!!!) The Girl Box closes in around so tightly that somehow it was suffocating and I wondered if I had done the right thing. The power of the Girl Box to consume us at any age must be squelched!
Thank you for giving me a little hope and for the wonderful support of Mary, the other much younger coaches and the darling little girls who screamed with joy “Mrs. Oliver, you’re going to be a coach!!!” They were excited. And one girl, who HATES to run, but loves the girls that run, said…”I’ll walk with you if you can’t run any more Mrs. Oliver, it’s OK if you can’t do it.” It felt good to be accepted and loved—-talk about encouragement!
