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Sparks Joy

1/27/2019

2 Comments

 
I was all ready to come on here today and write that this would be my final post. That I would no longer be writing a monthly (which used to be daily, then weekly, then fortnightly) blog about running, writing, nutrition, motherhood and anything else that's pertinent to me at the time. I had decided, at some point during the past month, that writing these seldom read posts no longer 'sparks joy' in me, to flagrantly get on the bandwagon and use lovely Mrs. Kondo's catchphrase. However, I realised when opening up the website this morning, that that is simply not true today. It does spark joy in me after all. As does (in no particular order): Running. Karaoke. Walking with my baby daughter. (ok, doing anything with my baby daughter). Writing fiction. Nutrition news. Anything pink. Japanese food. Netflixing with my fiancé. Reading. A myriad of other things.

​I may not be able to do all of these things all of the time, and no longer to a rigid schedule since Seren's arrival, that's for sure, but no need to give them up. I think what didn't spark joy was the pressure of having a certain date or time to get something done by, but as a wise soul recently pointed out: it is a self-appointed time-frame and pressure. Much like anything we choose to do. Take the time pressure off and, phew, joy returns.

​I think what it comes down to is priorities and what needs to get done versus what I'd like to get done. With a three and a half month daughter, she obviously comes first and foremost above everything else, and anything I get done on top of feeding and caring for her (and myself too, hopefully) is just a bonus. This is why I've been stoked to have been able to get back into running as much as I have lately: on a good week I have been able to get out for up to four runs, plus one or two weight sessions at the gym. This is, of course, due to having an amazing partner. I obviously wouldn't be able to go for a run so often or to the gym, if he wasn't there with our daughter. So, if he's reading this: thank you for everything that you do. I appreciate you so much, as does Seren. You 'spark joy' for her and it is the most beautiful site to behold.

​Coming up in my personal running news is the potential Newy marathon (yay, a local race!), where there is an option to do a three person relay team (so, 14km each), and the Cairns half marathon, which I am hugely excited about. Both of these events are in April, and I'd love to do them. There will be parkruns and my annual birthday run (hopefully!) before then though, and much training and SO much food. (Did I mention just how damn hungry breastfeeding makes me?! It's crazy. Like I've just run an ultra and have the extreme runger.)

​Happy Public Holiday Monday to all those in Oz today, and Happy Monday in general to everyone else. Get out there and 'spark joy' in your life. :) xx
Picture
ps Aaaand, it's officially out now! If you want to order a copy of my new book and support a local author (thanks in advance!), you can do so via the UK or US Amazon, here are the links:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ethereal-…/…/0648167666/ref=sr_1_1…
https://www.amazon.com/Ethereal-Lo…/…/0648167666/ref=sr_1_1…
...
Or here is the link for the book as per the publisher's website: http://www.tenthstreetpress.com/lois-wood.html
OR, you can get one here at Waterstone's also: https://www.waterstones.com/…/ether…/lois-wood/9780648167662
Thanks all!!
2 Comments
Kim
3/12/2019 02:18:50 pm

It's so gorgeous to stumble across your blog today when I was looking for a link about your fantastic new book!
I've really enjoyed reading your recent posts! And so many wonderful memories of our times today when I looked up old posts! The countries we visited and fun times galore we've had, and the sharing of our hopes and dreams. It's been epic Lou!!! Xx

Reply
Kim
3/12/2019 02:24:51 pm

P.S. It's funny I was thinking the same about how creative I am since being on maternity leave. Not having deadlines has a way of opening hearts and minds in just ''being' and having the space to allow our minds to travel to as yet unknown destinations. Xx

Reply



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