Close your eyes. Clear your heart. Let it go.
“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” ―Ann Landers
What are you hanging on to? Can you let it go?
* image from Pinterest
“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” –Marthe Troly-Curtin
So, I’ve written about being stressed and as sick and tired as I am of feeling that way, I’m pretty sure you, dear readers, might be sick of hearing about it, too.
You see, sometimes, in the day-to-day race that is life, I can get so caught up on the merry-go-round that I no longer hear the music; all I can hear is noise. I can no longer see the intricate carvings of the horses or enjoy the lights because it all flies past me in the blur known as “get-it-done.”
When I stop feeling exhilarated and start feeling woozy, it’s time to stop the merry-go-round and get off.
image from MILive.com
And for that reason, I’ve taken two – count ‘em – two vacation days: tomorrow and Monday. Call ’em mental health days, call ’em what you will – I’ve checked out.
I’ll make lists and I’ll ponder, I’ll putz and I’ll organize but … I’ll also sip coffee, catch up on your blogs, daydream and hang out with old dog. I’ll get in a run or two, I’ll accomplish a few things and ignore twice as much; I’ll dine with Hubbs and chat with the kids and maybe even sleep in … just a little. I’ll watch the World Series and chat on the phone with Mom and my cousin; I’ll cook and I’ll sing and I’ll visit with friends. I’ll take four days to step away and be my very own battery charger.
And come Tuesday, when the Wurlitzer starts cranking out that old familiar tune, maybe I’ll smile the smile of the invigorated and not the one that’s frozen and spent.
*for more info on Grand Rapids’ very own 1928 Spillman Carousel, 1 of only 3 to have been produced, click here.
In the past, when stressed, I would have retreated. I would have retreated, grabbed a bag of Lay’s and maybe even gotten on the phone with my cousin for a long-winded rant.
I’m stressed.
I can feel it in my stomach, I can see it in my eyes and I can sense it when I wake – there it waits, starting at me like the relative you’d rather not see at Christmastime.
This time, I didn’t retreat. I rocked. As in rocked it out on my treadmill. That’s right, peeps, last night I hit a new milestone – a 20 min run. 5 weeks ago this 49-year-old Grandmother couldn’t run 90 seconds; last night I ran almost 2 miles. Huffing and puffing, sweating and soldiering, I ran.
I ran through my anxiety, my fears, my stress and my sadness. I ran and I ran and I ran and when I was done, I felt better. Clearer. Nothing was solved, for that’s beyond my control, but what was better was …me.
I rocked my babies in a chair like this .. google.images.com
Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere. – Anonymous
How do you cope with the stresses in your life? Have you found new methods of managing it?
So, I’ve written about how eager I was to start the Couch25K plan, an 8 week program that gets you off the couch and running 3 miles in about 2 months. (download the free podcasts here).
What I haven’t written about is the transformation that is occurring.
“I run because it’s so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought.” Arthur Blank
Oh, there’s a wee part of me that whispers shh don’t talk about it yet, you’re only in week 3. But there’s a stronger, louder, more powerful part of me that tells her to shut it.
Because here’s what I need to say:
I mustered up my courage and actually went into a running store. You know the kind: everyone in there is a 9′ tall gazelle with 3% body fat and knows what to do with the hydration stuff and anti chafing products sitting at the till.
Not me.
I ambled in, took a deep breath and let the athletic gal fitting me know that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. She found me some new runners and let me try them out. And I did. I ran in the store. Me. I know! And here’s the thing: I didn’t care who saw me.
Yes I still have my old tanks and sports bras and I haven’t invested in any new shorts or cute outfits. I run on a treadmill and the only one who sees my wardrobe is the 12-year-old dog who is partially deaf and near-sighted.
But the very best part is this: Everything, and I mean, everything – my job, my co-workers, my family, my ancient, arthritic dog, and even our neglected house have taken a backseat to this.
Why?
Because nothing I’ve ever purchased, tasted or experienced has ever made me feel as alive as this does. Nothing. I love everything about it! I love the sweating (and I’m talking rivers of sweat). I love the endurance and confidence I’m gaining. I’m loving the kick-a** way 30 minutes of this makes me feel. I love that moment that comes in the middle of a workout when my inner lizard harps that I can’t possibly finish; I love to silence her by pushing through anyway. I’m loving how well I sleep at night. I love the “atta-girls” I get from the Hubbs and the pride I feel when I reach another milestone.
At 49, I’m loving that I can.
:: Just run:: Image from Pinterest.com
People don’t cry when they lose their hope. They cry when they get it back.
–-Martha Beck, Finding Your Own North Star
It’s been there … waiting patiently for me on my end table. I’ve reshuffled my reading pile and recently invited this book (Finding Your Own North Star) in. And now, now I’m puzzling and considering and journaling my way through it.
Wow.
I know why I hesitated: it’s a lot of work.
And I have enough work.
But .. it’s the kind of work that feels worth it.
Through simple exercises and thought-provoking questions, I’m discovering my true heart’s desires.
I’m starting to recognize and understand my internal compass.
Some thoughts and ideas I’ve met before and am well-acquainted with; others I’ve never considered before now. I’m doing the work necessary to repair all that “soul shrapnel” ~ those long-held, mostly false beliefs that have stalled my progress.
If you wish to discover your own North Star, your own heart’s desire, I recommend this book to you.
Be prepared.
There are case studies to read, questionnaires to answer and exercises to ponder.
The work can be challenging and feel heavy at times. You may uncover self-truths you hadn’t yet acknowledged and they may frighten you away. But I still say it’s worth it.
For hope.
Elvis has nothing to do with this post; He's just gorgeous in this picture is all. Happy Friday! MJ
Thoughts from Under the Willow Tree
The best cosmetics on the web
Planting roots on our wild little farm.
Laugh. Dream. Dare. Inspire.
Connecting with People in My Path
A Typical Blog. A Typical Woman. A Typical Take On Life. With An Atypical Twist!
Arise, shine, for your light has come...Isaiah 60
Country Living for Beginners
Kate's views on life edited by four opinionated cats
Novelist, Traveler, and More
My Journey From Merchant Mariner to Mother, And Spiritual Being.
Nancy Roman
just another plaid-wearin' java-sippin' girl
A view in pictures, from me to you
Just another WordPress.com weblog
some thoughts along the way
music, poetry, musings, photography and philosophy from a woman who found her way back home and wants you to come over for a hike and a cocktail.
Stop in and see what's happening during these days of mine
Looking for grace notes in life's journey...
How life coaches me as I ride...
EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS...
Thoughts from Under the Willow Tree
The best cosmetics on the web
Planting roots on our wild little farm.
Laugh. Dream. Dare. Inspire.
Connecting with People in My Path
A Typical Blog. A Typical Woman. A Typical Take On Life. With An Atypical Twist!
Arise, shine, for your light has come...Isaiah 60
Country Living for Beginners
Kate's views on life edited by four opinionated cats
Novelist, Traveler, and More
My Journey From Merchant Mariner to Mother, And Spiritual Being.
Nancy Roman
just another plaid-wearin' java-sippin' girl
A view in pictures, from me to you
Just another WordPress.com weblog
some thoughts along the way
music, poetry, musings, photography and philosophy from a woman who found her way back home and wants you to come over for a hike and a cocktail.
Stop in and see what's happening during these days of mine
Looking for grace notes in life's journey...
How life coaches me as I ride...
EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS...
