I wouldn't have said this a couple of years ago.Things were tough back then. I wasn't well. There was a lot of emotionally tough things happening as well and I couldn't use running as my neurological drug of choice. Yes, I was still running but it was really hard and sometimes the only reason I did it was to be with the running group and pretend life was normal for a while.
But as my health has improved, my running has improved. The emotionally tough stuff in my life has gotten a lot better and life is pretty good again.
Last week was especially good - strange, because it was my first week back at work after a few weeks off.
It was good because I had work but it wasn't over-whelming. Plus I got to see my favourite client. I got to run a lot and I'm recovering really well from my runs. I had two trail runs and didn't stop to walk any of the up-hills. I've re-discovered the pure joy of running out in the bush and being surrounded by all that green stuff. I got to have a date with my husband on Friday afternoon - played hookey from work for a couple of hours and went to the movies. And I had a long weekend and actually got the public holiday off. I'm hearing from my absent son regularly and he sounds like he's doing fine down in Melbourne. And my other boys are doing fine too.
My youngest even seems to have learnt a little lesson from the public shaming exercise of a couple of weeks ago - where I called him out over bringing his dirty washing home when he was house-sitting. He's been house-sitting again and so far no dirty washing. He had to drop over the other day to pick up some good clothes and while he was over he even emptied out the dishwasher! And I know this because he had to text me to let me know.
I have a sneaking suspicion that this epiphany - this realisation that I am content in my life is directly linked to my running. It could even be that because I'm running more that I have a higher level of endorphins than usual. Just as well they're not illegal or I'd officially be a junkie.
I know it's not always going to stay this way. There's bound to be more storms to weather. But while everything's going smoothly I'm going to take the time to appreciate all the good stuff.
I don't even mind that the paper's all covered in slobber.
Your texts with your son are quite humorous. Glad it didn't have to be a shaming this time!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that you like your life - and running does indeed make things better.
ReplyDeleteThat text between you and your son cracks me up!!!
I think sometimes you and I are on a similar course. Our children are about the same ages, and some of the things you write about remind me of mine and Michael's relationship. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, I was having the exact same thoughts about like being good right now. Truth is, I go as my kids go - and currently they're both doing pretty well, so things are good. But yes, it's nice when life offers you a deep breath once in a while. I enjoy your blog Char, you seem like a good person.
ReplyDeleteThat's sweet he emptied the dishwasher for you. Thoughtful for a boy!
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to be said for that level of contentment. And don't worry about your boys - you obviously raised them right.
ReplyDeleteFirst week back at work, but I thought you worked from home, so aren't you always at work!!!
ReplyDeleteII work from home but I have business hours just like most businesses and I shut down for a few weeks every year. Can't be on call all the time.
ReplyDeleteI always believe that the struggles we have in life make these good days that much more precious and we sit and savor it just a bit more than if it were always good. Hoping the good streak continues for a good long time! :)
ReplyDeleteHooray!!! I do think that the more we recognize the good things in our lives, the happier we are.
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy post! I love it.
ReplyDeleteFor some people my life might seem boring because I love being at home (so does my husband) but I love my life. Discovering the long walks with Bella in nature added something to it and now all is good.
And of course Toby has to be in the pic because even if our day was bad there's always someone waiting for us when we come home and is just happy to see us and makes us smile.
Does Toby go out and retrieve the paper for you? I used to deliver them as a kid and a few dogs would come out to do that. Love! Yay for the dirty troll becoming a magical elf!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It reminds me why I love running!
ReplyDeleteI think enforcing a shut-down must do wonders, even when you love what you do a good break is always welcome.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are doing well! :D I am definitely a MUCH happier person when I get the running endorphins.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are feeling happy. I am definitely happier when I exercise. Was feeling miserable this morning until I hit the gym, and those endorphins kicked in.
ReplyDeleteHow great Char! I love that you're able to think about your life as a whole and recognise that you're happy. I've recently told a couple of people that the last year has been the best of my life. Weird given that I'm still single (completely devoid of any romance, intimacy etc), have gained a stack of weight and am poorer than I've been before. But... it's true. I'm happier than ever.
ReplyDelete(I wish I could remember that more though!)