Run Syd, Run.

[Syd Valentine]

(I have to admit I'm embarrassed by my posts over the last few days. I'd like to say that I have a good reason for the increased level of immaturity but I don't really have one. Oh, well... moving on.....)


Since the kiddos have been sickly (sick kids=no admittance into gym daycare) AND the weather has been SO delicious, I started jogging outside more than I have in quite awhile. I usually do three miles at the gym on the treadmill but I did four one day this week and on Saturday I did six. I'm still pretty slow, my average being twelve minute miles, so on Sunday I decided to push myself and go for a better time rather than distance. I did 3 miles in thirty minutes. I guess a decrease in two minutes a mile isn't bad. I'm going for five minute miles which will probably take me a while at this rate but there's really no rush. It's just a personal goal, which brings me to the reasoning behind my love for running... well, JOGGING at least... especially outdoors.


When I'm jogging I can look up ahead and make a short term goal, see it and visually experience reaching it. I can gaze up the street, five blocks or so and tell myself that I am going to make it to that stoplight. Then, I watch as four.. three... two stoplights prior go by. It's a goal that I am CERTAIN to reach. It's right there in front of me... I am actually SEEING it there. Then, as I reach that fifth stop light it all feels so easy. I can just.... set ANOTHER goal.... five MORE blocks. Everything seems as if it is resting in the palm of my hand. I feel POWERFUL.... I feel in control. Nothing seems impossible. What a feeling.

Now, if I could just incorporate this same sensation into the rest of my life... What is so different about my LIFE goals than the goals I set when I'm jogging?? Is it becuase I can't actually SEE the goal I am trying to reach? I KNOW it Is there but is it because I cannot SEE it.... what I am struggling to get to; to become? Then there ARE goals I CAN see and In those cases, is it the fact that I can not see the path I should take to get there?

When I'm running (slowly, for the time being) my mind is at ease. It's the kind of ease I wish I could experience while trying to drift off to sleep. I still think about things as I go (ALL kinds of things) but the bothersome thoughts are not as bothersome... the intense, not as intense. My thoughts are more focused; calmer; clearer. I feel like I am on my way to somewhere important and that all those thoughts will be put to rest when I arrive... like when I get to that "somewhere" I will have the answers to all my questions.

Interesting.

[Syd Valentine]

HAHAHAH!! YAY for GLUTEN FREE PIE! :9

[Poppy Fields]

I used to have the Steve Jobs speech pinned to my "stay sane" board at old, make-me-crazy job. So inspiring.

I had a little "life" realisation while traveling recently and coming across GLUTEN FREE PIE!!! which was promptly consumed in its entirety, just because I wanted to. What did I realise? That I am totally in the moment, living completely mindfully, when I'm eating something delicious. I think that's kinda-sorta the exact opposite of Buddhism, but nevertheless I want to apply that same "there-ness" to all other aspects of my life.

Pie = enlightenment.
Let the laughing commence :D

[Desirée {PL Team}]

AMEN! and I love that video. :)

[Betty Red {PL Team / Madam}]

DC said it sista! :) I am so proud of you!

[Syd Valentine]

Thanks guys!! VERY cool video, Daddy. Amazing sentiments.

[Edson Carlos]

Running you will feel a freedom you might not feel when just living your "life" However utilize that time on the pavement to look ahead and identify a path you want to follow. It is NEVER too late to start over, or to change paths, its just always too early to see the path behind you that led you to the happy place you'll reach in time. It's all about looking back and connecting the dots...check this out and feel better, think clearer, think different.

[Brenda Starr]

Well doll, perhaps the jogging/running mind set is slowly going to transition you over.... Perhaps in time, the way you see jogging & setting goals will roll over into the everyday life stuff. I think that it's the slow, one step at a time process with running that helps calm you down, focus.... I'll bet in time these will slowly incorporate into everyday thinkin... Give yourself time, pretty lady, slow & steady wins the race!! ;)