Getting Out

I love to be outdoors. I prefer being outdoors to, you know, being inside. - Keith Carradine

The past few weeks have been challenging.  I won't go into details to protect the "innocent"  but trust me when I say it has been tough.  BUT...I'm tougher.  I don't let things hold me down for long.  I try to brush things off so they won't drain me of energy unnecessarily.   

One of the things that really helps revitalize me is getting out in nature.  I've mentioned it before but for me, being out in the fresh air revives me.  It also helps me to put into perspective the things that are most important to me. 

Putting miles behind me out on the trail helps me to move forward. The miles are cleansing. They erase, or just quiet, hurts and troubles.  Sometimes when I go on the trail, my intention is to use the time to deal with thoughts that are swimming around in my head like sharks circling in a tank (I love sharks, by the way).  But with each leaf that crunches beneath my shoes and each twig that I snap, the thoughts that seemed important when I started my walk or run, fade away.  The thought sharks are no longer confined to my mental tank and are replaced with creative, free-flowing ideas.  Running on trails and writing go hand in hand for me.  One feeds the other and I reap the benefits.  It helps my mind grow stronger and my body grow healthier.

I'm looking forward to the long weekend ahead.  I'm planning to go on a mini retreat to help me get in touch with my creative self.  The biggest bonus will be all of the outdoor time!  Lots of sunshine,  hiking, walking and swimming to be enjoyed!!  It will be a nice reprieve from my normal life.  I can't wait to tell you all about it when I return!  Until then...

Happy Trails!
Valeka   

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. - Dale Evans

What a year it has been!  So many ups and downs, highs and lows, good and bad....I'll stop there because I'm sure you can see where I'm going with that thought.  I am immensely grateful for all of the wonderful things I have been fortunate enough to have in my life this year but it's easy to be thankful for the good things.  This year, I am also happy that I was blessed with some not so good things.  I view the "not so good things" as things to be thankful for as well because they are lessons and opportunities for growth.  When things are easy, we don't really learn as much but when things are tough, we have to get tougher to overcome them.

As you all know, one of my biggest challenges this year has been my struggle with weight loss.  This gift in disguise has taught me a lot about myself and about others.  I have learned that while I am having problems getting the pounds to drop (and according to my scale, I have lost a little over a pound since my last post - YAY me!!) I am very fortunate to have been given the gift of friends who are supportive and can offer insight into why it's been difficult for me to lose the weight.  What a gift that has been!

I have also received the gift of awesome blog followers.  You all have been so caring and supportive and I am so blessed to have you all as part of my little world.  One of the reasons I started this blog was to help others that are going through the same health/weight struggles as I am know that they are not alone.  I like to think that my gift to you has been honesty, truth and hope through my postings.

Cherish the many gifts you have been given but most of all, extend those blessings to others.  That is the ultimate display of love.  Merry Christmas!!!   

Happy Trails!

Valeka