It's Just me, V

This year started like any other. New Years Day! Woo hoo! This year will be the best, no negativity, all things positive!

January 2…. LOL. Just kidding, still gotta work at everything, the trick is to make the best of all situations. I really have worked at it! Ups and downs are included in all aspects of life, from the time we rise in the morning until the time we go to bed (and even some times even trying to sleep at night).

Grateful! The easiest and the hardest thing to do, is be grateful. Even in the saddest of times, the times that really tried us, the times when that light was anywhere but at the end of the tunnel. We tried to stay positive. Losing friends and family – it’s so damned hard. But you know what? I am grateful for the time I got with them. You can’t miss someone that you didn’t know. And when I think of those people (and pets) I feel the loss, but I also feel at peace, because I am so happy that I had the pleasure of knowing them.

Working hard at everything is keeping me sane (and not). I have a very physical career, and try to balance it with my passion for running. This year was stony, in that going for a run started as my happy place, my grieving place, and ultimately an endeavor. As I have said before, I pray while I run; not so much formal prayers, but just talking to God. I felt like this year started off so strong, then slowly changed into a lack of time for everything that brings sanity. I am hoping to find some better ways to have that time for the trails (or the treadmill) this coming year – I need to get back to keeping my mind.

Making changes in a few aspects of my life, cutting back in places and adding in others. While I made the HUGE decision to step away from being an ambassador to my absolute favorite race family, I also have decided to try to run more. I know this doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but not having a commitment and being able to choose when and where I run and volunteer with out restrictions sounds like the change I have needed for a while. It allows me a difference in freedoms that I think I have been craving. We will miss our friends, but at the same time, will be able to spend more time nourishing the relationships we have made in the last 10 years!

Getting and staying healthy is always a goal, not necessarily a New Year’s resolution (we all know how those work out) but just in general. I have had some real wake up calls this past year. Going forward, we will be trying harder than before (really not a a challenge) to eat healthier and move more.

Thinking about goals and resolutions, it is important to keep it simple and attainable. Think of something you can improve on, and go with it. Not all goals are specific, but focused on a direction. Remember, be kind – not just to others, but especially yourself. As important as goals are, set boundaries as well, they are necessary to keeping our emotions safe. It’s ok to say “no” to something in order to keep yourself safe. Finally, allow yourself some GRACE – not every day is perfect, not every moment is going to work out the way it was planned in your mind. Life is a dance, one step forward, two steps back, and then a spin – just remember to have grace.

See you in the memories 2023, thank you for all of the things you have shown me, the laughter, the tears – all of it. As for you, 2024 – I know that life will continue to ebb and flow, and I hope to handle it with more grace and dignity, learning all along the way.