Inspiration

{photo courtesy of the brilliant m.writes}

When I was younger, I was an athlete. I swam competitively. I played soccer and tennis and field hockey. I was constantly moving and when summer came, I lived outside. I didn’t realize how much I would miss those daily bursts of energy along with the schedule and competition. I think these are all things we need. We need to strive towards goals, constantly challenge ourselves and feel proud of our accomplishments. Now that I have hit the big 3-0, I am trying to focus more on getting my life into a healthy balance, something that can sustain me and inspire me and bring about a natural sense of fulfillment and happiness. Having recently been dealt a heavy blow with the passing of my aunt, I am looking for something to help bring me some personal solace and a healthy focus. Recently, while mindlessly clicking around on the internet, I stumbled upon the most entertaining (and inspiring) blog. I found a kindred spirit in Ms. Wiggs and was so completely motivated by her dedication to her own life overhaul. She’s kicking butt and I was totally inspired!

So this morning, after a little corn muffin (which was homemade…thank you very much), I laced up the old sneaks and hit the ground running…literally.

And if I needed a sign to let me know I was on the right path, I found it…this little burst of color on my front stoop…along with a rock that my sister is convinced was bitten by a shark.

So after a little stretching, not too much because I keep reading that it’s better to stretch after a run, I was on my way. I have been running on a treadmill sporadically throughout the winter, but boy is it a whole different ballgame when you hit the outdoors. It just feels like a better workout, and a tougher one too!

And I have to admit that when I got home, the sadness and frustration I have been feeling lately seemed farther away. Life is about choices and I choose to invest in me and my life. I think I’ve made a pretty smart decision.