Conflict

This morning I went for a wonderful swim before work.  Usually in the morning, I do a relaxed swim marveling at the way the sun lights up the water dripping off my arm like diamonds, the silkiness of the lake flowing smoothly around me, supporting me, caressing me, enjoying me as I revel in the water.
Today was different.  I powered through the water, going over past discussions in my head, swimming strongly, wondering if it was all my fault, I usually assume it is.  But it was a short conversation and the water helped me to see that it had nothing to do with me at all.  My swim was harder, faster as a result!  I thought about ways I could approach the whole thing when I was done, but lately, I would rather have no conflict, like in swimming.
No matter how hard or easy I swim, there is no conflict in swimming.  There is no contact with anything giving resistance, not the ground or any person.  You couldn't really hear anyone if they were trying to argue with you in the water.  You cannot smell, as you really need to do most of your breathing through your mouth. Your only sensation is the feel of the water, all over you, every inch of your body. The water takes all of your senses and focuses them all on just the moment.  It is a meditation. What other sport is so focused?  People claim to be super focused in any sport they do, especially if they do it well but swimming forces your focus.  It is the only thing the swimming forces on you.  You do think while you are in the water, so you can really think. There are no interruptions.  You can push through the water with feeling, aggression even, but the water will not fight back, it gives in, gracefully.  Even with all that giving in, water gets total respect.  I need to be more like the water when I am landed but when swimming, I am the force, the focus.   Swimming, no conflict, only support.

I ran, THIS MORNING!

I said it couldn't be done; running in the morning.  I get up a bit stiff and like to slowly drink my coffee, clean, knit etc but then it is hanging over my head all day:  gotta run, gotta run.  But now it is done, and I can do it again if I want, this evening.

The fact is, at night, especially in this heat, I am tired, everyone is tired, they want dinner, then it is family time, we watch Jeopardy and swim.   and we tend to eat as soon as we get home.  Eating first does not make one want to run afterwards.  I used to run in the dark a lot, I still could, but I do not.

 It worked out great in the morning!

Birch Lane is shady in the morning, I had no idea!  And I saw other women my age, walking!  It was fun!  And I swam afterwards!

I am so grateful that I ran this morning!

Today, a beautiful, HOT July day

Today I am grateful to feel strong, healthy and I have lost a few pounds!  I am a strong, independant woman with so many interests!  I am never bored and I am so grateful for that!  I only wish there was more time in each day.  To that note, I am going to try and get up by 7:00 every day!

My mantra for today is:  I am totally in sync with life, also from Louise Hay's website.

I am going to continue to get stronger, leaner and healthier, and more independant.

Loving life!

Running

I did not run for awhile, not regularly anyway.  But I did run last night and then two nights before that.  I couldn't run the night between, I was busy with friends, but every other day is a great way to get back in, without going back in too quickly.

Running is taking myself back.  It is too easy to let someone else talk you out of running.  Because they tell you running is selfish.  Running could be selfish I guess, but taking 30-60 minutes or even a bit more, out of your day to make you feel great does spread around to those around you.  Running makes me feel wonderful, accomplished, firmer, more confident, shaplier, stronger, both in mind and body.  Sure sometimes it is hard to get out there but I have NEVER regretted going, no matter the weather, and the feel goodness lasts at least 24 hours!  No food can do that!  Not much else can do that at all, except maybe some other exercises.  I am also much more likely to eat healthy and not overeat when I am running.  It is a win-win-win-win-win!

I am so grateful that I have been running, and I intend to keep it up, very regularly.

My positive affirmation for today which I got from Louise Hay's website http://www.louisehay.com/affirmations    

I am a joyful breeze entering a room.

Today I must admit I have not felt like a joyful breeze, but that is changing now.  Now I am a joyful breeze.

The best laid plans...

I meant to post what I am grateful for every day but I realize since I do not use a computer on the weekends, that is really not going to happen.  As in life, I will just try to do the best that I can, as often as I can.

I am grateful for the cool clear water that cools and clears my head when I dive in, even more so on hot days.
I am grateful for chocolate.  Need I say more?
I am grateful for snuggly bunnies, who do not speak but still somehow get their point across.  I could take a lesson from them.  Less talking sometimes seems like it would lead to less problems, in the whole world.
I am grateful for my family.  I am grateful for my family.  I am grateful for my family.   All of them. They teach me so much.
I am grateful for space to be alone.
I am grateful that my body moves without any problems.
I am grateful for my health
I am grateful for my beautiful and supportive surroundings.

Happiness Today

Things I have been able to do today that have made me happy!

I swam in the morning, with the sun warming the water dripping off my arms.  It felt good, smooth and I am so happy that I can swim well and feel good and relaxed and comforted while doing it.   What a wonderful way to start the day!

I drank great coffee (which I made) and then was able to knit during the whole commute to work!

I started off doing the dishes, cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming the house, cleaning the toilet, vacuuming at work.  Although these might not be my first choice of what to do, I love that I did it, and the way my environment feels like a clean accomplishment.

What do you do that makes you happy?  We can all share ideas for things that could make us even happier!

So grateful for

I intend everyday to list things that I am grateful for and reasons for my happiness.  Some may be serious, some even humorous, but I want to remind myself, and you too, of how wonderful life is, even when it may not feel like it.

I am grateful for:
my home, cozy, comfortable, safe and warm
my family is cuddly, funny, comforting, and cute
my health, I am strong, I have great endurance and fortitude
my husband, for making it all happen with me, who is also funny, cozy, cuddly and patient
my children are awesome, bright, interesting and fun to be with
I live in such a beautiful wonderful place
Wool, I love everything about it, weaving, knitting, spinning, dying, washing, drying, hooking, braiding, I could go on.
I have great salesperson and people skills
cool, clean water for drinking and swimming and cleaning
the sun, it is cheery and warm and makes me feel great

What are you grateful for? I would love to hear about it from you!