I didn’t realize that I hadn’t written in my blog in so long. Last month, I was complaining about the early onset of sub freezing temperatures in the Midwest US despite it not being officially winter, yet. It is now winter. I also mentioned started a running streak planning to run at least a mile daily from Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Day.
I broke the streak on day 25. I ran at least a mile a day each day until December 17th, when I got sick. I took off from running for 9 days. I started to feel the frustration of not running before I felt better from being sick. It has also been unseasonably warm outside the past week. I was sweating on my comeback run last night. Fortunately, it was a pub run and there was beer at the end.
When thinking about writing today, I decided to be like a sitcom episode with a flashback episode. *Except it isn’t going to take 30 minutes with commercials.
This year started out rough. I dropped into the deepest depression that I can recall. I was unwell. My daughter was unwell. My husband and I were experiencing so much pressure on our relationship that it could have broken us if it didn’t help us grow closer.
We started going to church. As the ever supportive parents, we encouraged our oldest daughter’s addiction recovery by going to church ourselves and taking her with us. While she didn’t keep up with it, we did. On September 23rd, we were baptized at church. It wasn’t planned. We were both moved to do it during a service where the conclusion was the opportunity for baptism by submersion to anyone interested.
I improved my running, but not my overall health. I did my physical therapy. I mentored a couple of 5k programs. Watching people meet their goals led me to reach for my own. I signed up for two fall half marathons and trained for both. I wasn’t in shape to beat my personal best for either race, but my Indy race was awesome. I had a great time at that race. My times have gotten better. I found joy in running again. I was so focused on getting back into running without pain, I neglected the rest. I’m going to have a heck of a time getting my core and arms strong again.
I’m happier. There isn’t a key or a secret to why I’m happier than I was before. Life hasn’t gotten easier. It’s a perspective thing. I’ve made it pretty far, all things considered. I’ve kept my kindness intact. I’m also much less concerned with what other people think of me and that has made a difference.
I’m not delusional. I don’t like how my clothes fit or how my body looks. I have rough days. I get mom guilt. I am hard on myself. I worry that I’m not good enough at cooking, cleaning, parenting, or any number of things.
In 2019, I’m going to work on overall health, fitness, and being more positive. I plan to take up the habit of gratitude and to remember the importance of self care.
What stands out to you from this year? What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?
Thanks for reading! I hope you have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and/or Day celebration. Also, I hope if an opportunity to train for something challenging arises, you give it a second thought and maybe even a try.
Jenn's Journey 