Run, Laugh, Eat, Repeat

I'm learning to realize that as I age I not only rely on the wisdom I've gained over the years.  I also am more comfortable with who I am, what I believe.  Years ago it was truly important what others thought and how they viewed me.  That approval was something that I depended on to continue on my path.  Putting that dependence into another's hands can be a dangerous practice. I reclaimed that power several years ago.  And now am fully able to embrace it. When others are proud of me or believe in me that is truly an added bonus.  Yet it doesn't sustain me. Now I'm more than okay to trade the glass slippers in for my running shoes.  It feels good to me.  Don't need to brag about it.  Just need to lean into it and embrace it. My circle is much smaller these days.  My husband and daughter are my immediate focus.  And those I work with are there too.  I see these two groups every day.  THEY sustain me. Forget tryi...

And then I found this mug.  All alone on a shelf in a store I didn't go looking for it.  And it sat waiting for me.  It is a shade of blue that makes me joyful and shares the saying I've been reminding myself for the last several months. Let. it. be. And I shall.

After having a restart on my treadmill plan, getting new Saucony shoes, new socks and even a new FitBit to travel activity .. I'm still stalled!  This time it's dealing with blisters and headaches!  I have developed these awful blood blisters on two toes and it's frustrating me.  I have the medicated pads to use to cushion and treat them .. and still I'm not back up to speed. I'm realizing there are times to just let go.  To allow things to happen in their own time.  And this is one of those times.  There are times to let people go.  And I've done some of that too.  And boy, would the running help ease that issue at this point.  Yet here I am. I read a really great passage lately.  It suggested that Let It Go could really just mean Let It Be.  And therefore there is no action other than to relax and allow the situation to flow through you.  The other concept I've been helping my team remember lately is what is within y...

This one really struck me as I love the feel of my coffee mug in my hand each morning.  As I start the day, this sentiment reminds me that that's really all there is .. Faith, Hope, Love.  And when we are in a place of having all three it can be extremely powerful. And of course I must acknowledge where the mug comes from .. Trust Your Journey !  Just the name is an inspiration on its own.  As I continue on my journey that has led me through tears, laughter, pain, joy and inspiration, I find that trust is a big part of it.  When I continue to be curious and not impatient it helps me with the 'getting there' part.  And isn't that the fun part - the getting there? So as I begin my day with foot pain and continued blisters, I will have faith, hope and love on my journey.  And know that the best is yet to come ...

This one really hit home for me.  For years I've been preaching, BUT I AM A GIRL! How would you like me to do something other than #LikeAGirl?? As the mother of a pre-teen daughter I have been messaging this to her for years.  Instilling in her the belief that she can do anything.  Yes, like a girl!  I encourage her to be who she is and do what she believes in ... and this is such an empowering message for all young girls! Last weekend I got new running shoes because mine were worn out and hurting my feet.  I took her with me to the store.  To show her what it looks like to take care of yourself, believe in yourself and support what's important to me.  I didn't ask her to want to run.  Or take care of herself.  I SHOWED her what it looks like when I do it. And of course you know the next part.  She also wanted a new pair of sneakers.  "Mommy, can I get running shoes too?"  And so I made sure she was fitted and has a sup...

New in the box! I'm thrilled to have my new FitBit on my wrist.  Finally an app focused on ways to improve my life!  I've found it to be easy to use, comfortable to wear and motivating to just keep going! And I've grown to love the vibration and light display when I reach 10,000 steps for the day.  It's even better when that  happens before noon.  And yet, I'll take it anytime! I'm hopeful that it helps keep me on track and continues to motivate me to reach new goals.  As my best competition is myself, it allows me to monitor and track not only steps, but food, water, workouts and more!  And stylish?  Doesn't get any better than this, right? Perhaps I can even get my husband one to motivate him to take 10,000 steps a day! Day One accomplishments!

I'm thrilled to have my new Saucony this morning to get a few miles in before the rest of the day begins.  They feel good, and better than that my feet feel good too. As I was expressing my excitement yesterday for saying goodbye to blisters and hello to the miles of road therapy ahead, I experienced a big ah-ha.  These miles to me are truly therapy.  And these days I can use it.  I find that I'm constantly reminding myself that each of us is fighting a battle inside.  We don't know of each other's battles.  Yet we know of our own and those aren't always easy ... And as a way to think mine through, I find the miles are like therapy.  Without the validating voice across the room.  That voice is this case is the one in my head.  And the sound of my feet hitting the ground. With each passing mile it seems to provide a clearer path, a more enlightened view of how to deal with all those thoughts.  It's amazing what those miles can d...