Today was a long day during which I mostly was a Mom. I am grateful to have that role, but getting through without being too grumpy was at times like playing a game for which all of the rules are unknown. In the end, I kept going with gratitude, knowing that what I have got is good.
I told my Son that I was playing a game of letters, without more specifics. I told him that today was words that begin with the letter "g." He offered, gorilla, grape, gather, go, get, and grandfather. It is interesting that he came up with the last word, as it was 15 years ago today that my Daddy, his grandfather, died. We knew the day was coming, but it was still difficult. On that Tuesday afternoon, I sat at my desk in an office that I had begun to work just over 1 month earlier, when my Sister called to tell me that Daddy died. That night, all by myself, was surreal. The next day, I made the 2 1/2 hour drive home, where my ex-husband met me with a hug. It was the end of an era. My Son and I said an extra prayer tonight for my Dad, and I thought quietly for a bit about my DIM memories.
Though not always with grace, I have gained so much since then. I have gathered and grovelled, at times with giant steps and at times with hardly any movement. I know that my life is filled with so many gifts....
Back to basics....
My many remakings are remarkable in their own way. Each, to varying degrees, includes body, mind, and spirit. Each requires being proactive, rather than reactive.
Running always provides the necessary rubric. Running enables me to: regroup; renew; rework; reorganize; remember; and reenergize.
Running is not static; it requires constant movement. So too do I. Running is my restorative.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Letter F - Focus Factors
This letter already was finished before today, and even this new mantra, began. Last year, I developed my five focus factors, rather than make resolutions. Those factors -- fun, finance, fit, food, and family -- are fine for me to feel fulfilled.
Today, not one, but all of the factors were in the foreground. It was such a busy day. On the work front, today was challenging, which made my 1 hour run even more fabulous. Taking time for that outside run totally landed me in a better place!
On the food front, I ate well, and once again was reminded that I love most foods. I enjoy flavorful food. I can be just as satisfied with healthy and unhealthy food, so why not choose healthy. The unhealthy choice most often results when time is limited. That situation is not a good one; I must put myself on better footing.
Today, not one, but all of the factors were in the foreground. It was such a busy day. On the work front, today was challenging, which made my 1 hour run even more fabulous. Taking time for that outside run totally landed me in a better place!
On the food front, I ate well, and once again was reminded that I love most foods. I enjoy flavorful food. I can be just as satisfied with healthy and unhealthy food, so why not choose healthy. The unhealthy choice most often results when time is limited. That situation is not a good one; I must put myself on better footing.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Letter E - energetically engaging
On this 5th day of the new year, I energetically engaged in what needed to be done. Everything certainly did not get done as earlier expected, but enough was done so that at day's end I am entitled to be elated.
This entitlement was earned in part by tackling a difficult project, moving forward with effective resolve.
Though neither a run nor a work out was to be had, I did enjoy several easy walks with my dog. In exchange for that minimal exercise, I watched my eating just a bit so that on balance the day was a success in this regard. Eventually, I will fit in more of the desired one hour sessions, but not before additional evaluation.
For now, I am excited about eluding erratic behavior. I am easing into my new approach; I can't erase prior behavior, but I can open my eyes to better behavior.
I need to figure out how to elicit what I need to elucidate my needs. Following that process, I will educate myself and my loved ones to effectuate this year's remaking.
This entitlement was earned in part by tackling a difficult project, moving forward with effective resolve.
Though neither a run nor a work out was to be had, I did enjoy several easy walks with my dog. In exchange for that minimal exercise, I watched my eating just a bit so that on balance the day was a success in this regard. Eventually, I will fit in more of the desired one hour sessions, but not before additional evaluation.
For now, I am excited about eluding erratic behavior. I am easing into my new approach; I can't erase prior behavior, but I can open my eyes to better behavior.
I need to figure out how to elicit what I need to elucidate my needs. Following that process, I will educate myself and my loved ones to effectuate this year's remaking.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Letter D - developing the drive
This day was devoted to developing the drive -- the drive to focus on my work, and to get it done efficiently. Also, the drive to work out at some point during each day. Finally, the drive to fit in at least one extra activity each day. These three directions were driven today.
My schedule did not allow for the desired work out. Nonetheless, I did run on the treadmill at the gym. The speed and distance were not ideal, but, overall, the run was a success. Done is good, and sometimes good is just right.
I spent so much of my life striving to diet (finding the trick to drop the pounds), but now I simply want to focus on a healthy diet. At times, it's difficult to make sure that my Son eats well. Also, family dinners are extremely important to me. I will not diet, but I will watch my diet.
Often, I proclaim that I am done. How perfect is this statement? It applies to so much with which I am/can be done: complaining; maintaining my weight; coveting; and dozens more thoughts that are devoid of delight and direction.
This year, I am definitely dedicated to a daily dose of delightful declarations.
My schedule did not allow for the desired work out. Nonetheless, I did run on the treadmill at the gym. The speed and distance were not ideal, but, overall, the run was a success. Done is good, and sometimes good is just right.
I spent so much of my life striving to diet (finding the trick to drop the pounds), but now I simply want to focus on a healthy diet. At times, it's difficult to make sure that my Son eats well. Also, family dinners are extremely important to me. I will not diet, but I will watch my diet.
Often, I proclaim that I am done. How perfect is this statement? It applies to so much with which I am/can be done: complaining; maintaining my weight; coveting; and dozens more thoughts that are devoid of delight and direction.
This year, I am definitely dedicated to a daily dose of delightful declarations.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Letter C - creating the course
Interesting that today should be the letter "c" with the Iowa Caucuses happening. They make me glad that I am not a registered republican; the antics are at times not to be believed. What is the saying about it being real because you couldn't make this stuff up?
Currently, I am creating my course with curious creativity. What will work for this remaking? Time will tell. This remaking must cause change, mostly in the care with which I treat myself. At times, I am too capable, which can result in my doing too much for others and not enough for me. It doesn't have to be too complex; I simply need to make me a priority.
Today was a full day back on schedule for the first time in weeks. I loved the hectic nature of December, but I am looking forward to the routine nature of January.
I successfully fit in my food and fitness focus factors. I ate well, using what I have on hand (which advanced the finance focus factor). Lately, I have been running outside, but this was a day for the gym. The 1 hour of a mixed workout was welcomed and wonderful. It was difficult to break away to get to the gym, but once I did, I was so much better for it! Satisfying my cravings for physical activity caters to my character like a charm!
Currently, I am creating my course with curious creativity. What will work for this remaking? Time will tell. This remaking must cause change, mostly in the care with which I treat myself. At times, I am too capable, which can result in my doing too much for others and not enough for me. It doesn't have to be too complex; I simply need to make me a priority.
Today was a full day back on schedule for the first time in weeks. I loved the hectic nature of December, but I am looking forward to the routine nature of January.
I successfully fit in my food and fitness focus factors. I ate well, using what I have on hand (which advanced the finance focus factor). Lately, I have been running outside, but this was a day for the gym. The 1 hour of a mixed workout was welcomed and wonderful. It was difficult to break away to get to the gym, but once I did, I was so much better for it! Satisfying my cravings for physical activity caters to my character like a charm!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Living the Letters: B -- back to basics
What better place to start? Today's focus primarily was on work, and secondarily on my Son. Beginning the new exercise schedule did not happen, but.... Instead, I ate rather well to make up for the lack of exercise. Beating myself up about what didn't get done will not happen; doing so is not worth the required negative energy.
The Runner's World quote of the day was perfect -- something about finding time for what's important. That will be my secret to this year's success!
Breathing deeply, balancing needs and wants, and believing in my ability to break through barriers provided today's beautiful and brilliant buoyancy.
I am ready, willing, and able to bring it.
The Runner's World quote of the day was perfect -- something about finding time for what's important. That will be my secret to this year's success!
Breathing deeply, balancing needs and wants, and believing in my ability to break through barriers provided today's beautiful and brilliant buoyancy.
I am ready, willing, and able to bring it.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year / new approach -- Letter A
It's January 1st! I am collecting my thoughts for this new year.
Each day is a gift, which I will give to myself and others. There's plenty of time to do what matters. I will be selective and proactive. This is my life and I will live it to my advantage, rather than to the advantage of others., which too often happens.
My weekly wanderings will be welcomed. In doing so, the days will be detailed as necessary.
Today was a treasure.
This is the first day of another remaking. Overall, my focus factors remain the same. How I implement them will differ somewhat.
I will live the alphabet of this year's wonders
Letter A -- I am anxiously anticipating
Today, I acted. I accomplished activities at home. I spent quality time with my Mom. I enjoyed coffee with one of my sisters. I played a game with my Son. I didn't do everything I set out to do, but I did enough.
Each day is a gift, which I will give to myself and others. There's plenty of time to do what matters. I will be selective and proactive. This is my life and I will live it to my advantage, rather than to the advantage of others., which too often happens.
My weekly wanderings will be welcomed. In doing so, the days will be detailed as necessary.
Today was a treasure.
This is the first day of another remaking. Overall, my focus factors remain the same. How I implement them will differ somewhat.
I will live the alphabet of this year's wonders
Letter A -- I am anxiously anticipating
Today, I acted. I accomplished activities at home. I spent quality time with my Mom. I enjoyed coffee with one of my sisters. I played a game with my Son. I didn't do everything I set out to do, but I did enough.
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