Traveling Is Good For My Soul

I love to travel. So does my husband. We used to take yearly trips to Florida, and our honeymoon was driving across the country. Life has been busy, and it's been a while since we went anywhere. The kids have reached the perfect age for travel. They're interested in the world and capable of packing/carrying their own stuff. It was definitely time for a trip.

We spent a few days at the Hollywood Beach in Florida. It was amazing. The weather was perfect. We saw gators, ate gator, played in the ocean and the pool, and we went snorkeling in Key Largo. It was such a fun family adventure. 

Now, we're back to reality, and I am glad. I love traveling, but I love coming home even more. Most of the time, I prefer routine. Travel is exciting and stimulating. Home is comfort and relaxation. 

I needed this trip. I needed a chance to re-set. I've been floundering for a while, but things are looking up. My birthday was on Saturday. I spent most of the day either waiting in an airport or sitting on a plane. It gave me a lot of time to think. I want to be healthier. What I have been doing lately is not making me feel my best. I want to feel better. 

I don't really care about how much I weigh. This was a shock. I've been obsessed with my scale for most of my life. I let it rule my life and dictate my mood. I hated that it had that kind of power over me, but I didn't do anything to change it.

I want to simplify my life. I want to enjoy it. Thinking about simplifying and about being positive brought me to the realization that it's not the number that matters. If I eat healthy, exercise, and sleep my body will do what it needs to do. It will get stronger, and I will feel better. That's what I want. 

I'm setting long term goals. Life goals, really. I want to simplify my life, make healthy choices, and relax/meditate. These are goals I can work on my whole life. I have ideas for how to get started, and I know each will build upon the next. I just need to begin.

Vacation was wonderful. So much family time. So much fun. Coming home is wonderful. I am relaxed, re-set, and ready to take on the coming year.

Animals and Exercise

Today has been all about animals and exercise.

For the last couple days, the Moon Dog and I have been walking on a part of the Rail Trail that goes along the river. The ice makes awesome cracking sounds, and MD stops to listen every time.

After running and TKD yesterday, I needed some serious stretching. I did 35 minutes of yoga, and my muscles thanked me for it. I had two kitty helpers during my workout. I didn't get a picture, but every time I get the yoga mat out, I have at least one cat helping out. (And by helping out, I mean attacking my hands when I'm in downward dog.)

I'm super excited because my new sneakers came in today!

I've been running more often, and I desperately needed new shoes. I cannot wait to break these in!

Just Breathe

Life has been a mix of highs and lows lately. I am in the midst of tech for the musical I am directing. I have meetings all week. I've started half marathon training, and I am getting ready for a TKD tournament. Add to that my family's needs, my other jobs, and my writing, and things have been crazy.

Normally, I would eat junk food, not sleep, and stress out. That's my M.O. for tech/show week most of the time. But, I want to be healthy. I have to take care of myself. So, I'm trying to do things differently this time.

So far, so good. I ran Friday, Sunday, and this morning. Not only because I needed to, but because I want to. It's a great way to reset my mood in the morning. I added meditation this morning, and I feel much calmer.

My favorite little guy gave me another great tool. He asked me this weekend if I was "off my calm", and since I was feeling stressed, I told him I was. He taught me the "rainbow breath." It's a basic yoga breathing exercise. I think he learned it at school. It was very calming, and he was so proud when I told him it helped me.

Keeping calm is the goal for the next two weeks. I'm trying for daily yoga and meditation as well as just taking things day by day. Plus, lots of running and daily exercise. I've got this.

It's Good To Have Goals

This week has been brutal. First, the kids were sick. They passed it to me. Of course, they're better in a day. It took me three days to feel normal again. Yesterday was the first day I could exercise without feeling nauseous. I took Moon Dog for a 2.5 mile walk and did a leg workout.

This morning I felt much better. After a mile walk with Moon Dog, I went for a 5.5 mile run. It was great. I didn't want to go. I've been seriously lacking in motivation lately. I knew I would feel better if I went. I also really liked the idea that for an hour and a half I had nothing to do but run. I've been feeling pulled in a lot of directions, lately. Nothing but running and thinking was what got me on board for my run.

It was a good run. It's weird that February feels like April, but I enjoyed the clear sidewalks. I also tried wearing my compression socks while I ran, and it made a huge difference. My calves felt great, and no shin splints!

I am officially in training for a half. Michelle and I got into the two-person relay for the Burlington Marathon. 13.1 for each of us! It's such a fun day, and I'm excited to take part in it again. I've made a training plan, and I am ready to get myself back on track. It's good to have goals.