...and so I go on hikes

Social media is known as life's highlight reel. An accurate assessment, IMO. But I don't think most people are trying to brag or one-up the next guy with their posts. I know I'm not.

Most people don't want to bring others down with their heaviness, maybe it's too intimate to share with the world, or perhaps they're looking at photos from last month and reminding themselves of happier, carefree times and posting those as a personal pick-me-up.

Lately, I've been climbing my way out of a valley. Yes, I've traveled. Yes, I've eaten good food. Yes, I have an amazing family, husband, and children whom I love more than life. Yes, I have some heavy things going on. Yes, I live my life focusing on the positive while, like a duck, I'm frantically kicking my feet under the surface trying to get my life where it needs to go.

And so I go on hikes. To think, to plan, to pray and relax, to breathe deeper, to dream bigger, to remind myself how small I am and that if God can take care of "all of *this*," He will certainly take care of me and provide the resources I need to solve my problems.

Last week I hiked the frozen creek in our town with my daughters for a different perspective. Today we're going hiking in a forest. Saturday, we'll be "hiking" the city streets of Chicago. Different surroundings, but similar results: look up and be reminded how small you are and that man has found great solutions to overcome insane obstacles. After all, those skyscrapers didn't build themselves!

Wishing you all peace and joy this Thursday...and each day that follows!

Comments

About Me

The short and sweet version: I am a 40-some year old communication consultant and homeschooling mother of three (one son, two daughters) who wakes up each morning and does her darndest to make the most of her days, filling it with shared laughter, good food, natural beauty, healthy habits, stylish clothes, and memorable experiences...while attempting to age gracefully and (hopefully) slowly. The "embrace my long-winded, Irish roots" version: I am pretty firmly settled into my 40s. And I've had a fun time getting here; I counted down to my 40th birthday with a random act of kindness each week for the 40 weeks leading up to the big four-oh. I documented the journey on the Kindness Countdown blog to entertain and hopefully inspire others to spread niceties in their own lives. This was especially important for my own family, my children being a formative 10, 8, and 5-years old during the project. It was exceedingly rewarding to bless others alongside

A lot can change in 5 minutes

Perspective, belief, reality...they can change pretty fast. Mine were flipped upside down within 5 minutes today. Here's how: I was at my friend's gym this morning getting my butt kicked, doing 24" box jumps when he walked over and asked "Should I add the 12" on top?" I laughed, because COME ON, I just landed my first 30" jump a few weeks ago. He smirked over his shoulder as he walked away, saying "OK, we'll do it after class." I laughed and continued to jump in my comfort zone. But then, later, as I was working a heavy bag, I thought, "Hmm, Jordan has been pushing me for years in the right direction and because of it I've completed things I originally didn't think possible (pull-ups, a Spartan race, lifting heavier, punching harder...). What if this is one of them?" And so, after class, I stacked the boxes and stepped beside them. A 63" girl next to a 36" box. It was intimidating. I looked at my friend

New Sneakers! New App!

I went on a run this morning, breaking in some new sneakers: a pair of Brooks Launch 5 . Brooks has been my sneaker of choice for many years now, but this gray and white pair (Aren't they cute?! And they go with everything!) are my first from the Launch family. I'm happy to report it was love at first run! I found them to be really light while providing excellent support and I greatly enjoyed the layers of cushiony softness (especially since I've had a tinge of shin splints the past couple of weeks)! I already can’t wait to take ‘em for another spin tomorrow! Oh, and if you’re a runner, biker, kayaker, etc, I have one other recommendation from today's run. I also tested out a new app, Relive , today. It was fantastic! I was able to fully control my Apple Music running play list while Relive ran in the background, which I appreciate (it bothers me each time I try to skip a song in Map My Run ). Watch this video of my course today and you'll see why I c

Gilded Living

Search This Blog