I ran about 13-14km in total (I think, this is mainly guestimation work) and for me lately that is a 'long' run. Well, wow, I had even missed my long, solo runs: a chance to ponder on all things and clear my head (if it needed to be cleared). Truly meditation on the move. On the way back, amidst said pondering, I got to thinking about how sometimes the little things can seem important or urgent and can seemingly overwhelm us, when really, they're not that drastic after all. When I stepped back (figuratively, not literally, I wouldn't want to step backwards in Glenrock, who knows what I might stumble on: a loose rock, a gravelly patch, a snake sunning itself) and thought about those little things that have been bothering me (logistical things really re: needing to buy certain items and when to get them, and re: decluttering my house, yup first-world problems I think is the phrase) I realised that they are not actual problems after all. Waves of gratitude and a feeling of being oh-so-blessed washed over me.
I ran back home thinking about why I feel so blessed and of the amazing people and things in my life. So, sure, there are the not-truly-important (really) but nice-to-have, material things, like owning a car, owning a property, having a small amount of savings etc (for which I do feel blessed, of course), but then first and foremost there are my beautiful family and loving partner and loved ones/friends both here in Newy and around the globe: I am so grateful for you all. Then there's my current health/fitness, and being lucky enough to have my training/education centred around good health, nutrition, and avoiding/preventing chronic disease. My mind then thought of all the opportunities and jobs/career paths I've had over the years, and I've been so lucky to see first hand into various different industries. I feel blessed that I have gotten the chance to teach some incredible individuals over the years too. That got me thinking about my own education, one that will never stop (never stop learning hey), but that which I am so grateful for: I am so lucky to have two degrees (a Bachelor and a Master) so far. I am SO blessed to have discovered the joys of running, some 12++ years ago and to have run lots of once-in-a-lifetime races in exotic, far-flung locations: ultras, marathons, half marathons etc. I am also lucky enough to have won some of these and in others placed second or third. I am so blessed to be a published author (despite definitely not being a best-seller, but that's not the point). I am SO grateful for the places I have travelled to around the world and the places I have lived in. I am so lucky for my current freedom too, of 'being my own boss' and working mainly from home, and of having beautiful places like Glenrock (my favourite place in the world) practically on my doorstep. But mostly: it's the people and experiences that really make my heart sing. The 'stressful' little things will get sorted, one step at a time. Don't sweat the small stuff eh?