Monday, January 4, 2021

*Blissful Persistence*


If I were asked to pick one word as a theme for 2021, it would be difficult.

After all, there are many words I frequently use (often disguised as hashtags) that I'd say accurately describe my perspective on fitness, drive, attitude, well-being, and life in general. A few of these include #GoBrightOrGoHome (bright colors are everything), #ThisIsMyCoffee (early morning workouts are my gig), #GlassHalfFull (because, why dwell on what's missing?), and #SmileThroughTheSweat (fitness feels great and brings me infinite joy).

So many words, so many choices. There's a lot to think about as we forge into this new year. Myself, I refuse to sit still and I'm all about enjoying the journey (in good times and in bad).

With that, I give you my 2021 focus: Blissful Persistence!

The "theme" or "motto" I chose for 2020 was #ItsMyDayMyWay. Little did I know, a year ago, what kind of year was headed my way. A modern day pandemic swept the globe. Races were cancelled. Social gatherings became non-existent. A derecho devastated my yard and my town (and several surrounding communities). And, a stress fracture took up homestead in my right foot.

There were many reasons to feel overwhelmed and frustrated, and I certainly did at times. But, I was able to find even more things to be grateful for, even in the midst of all the turmoil around me. I've said it before: we cannot always control our circumstances, but our attitude is all on us.


A positive mindset was necessary as I navigated my way though 2020. The Covid-19 crisis did not go away (and, instead, grew worse). Thankfully, even with most of my races cancelled (or assuming virtual status), the sport of running prevailed. As for the stress fracture (a result of the wear and tear, literally, from the derecho clean-up) my running (and walking) were halted for a couple of months in the fall. It was a quick reminder of my knee recovery in 2017, when I had to focus on what I could do rather than whine about what I (temporarily) could not.


Despite being side-lined for the better part of two months (mid-August through mid-October), I did my best to keep moving and grooving. Not being able to run or walk (or bear weight on the injured foot), enabled me to focus on biking. And, that proved to be a pretty fulfilling ride...in more ways than one. Instead of feeling all the FOMO from not running, I found a great deal of joy and satisfaction via my bike. I was able to keep on keeping on, and I had a fantastic experience in doing so.

So, Blissful Persistence. It just seemed like an obvious theme for 2021 since it had (unbeknownst to me, at the time) gotten me through the latter part of 2020. Who would have thought?

By the way, here's a quick look at my numbers from 2020. No, there weren't any 100-mile months, and my yearly (running) mileage took a big hit...but oh well. What I didn't do in the running shoes, I more than made up for on the bike. Best of all? My legs were strengthened by all the extra work biking afforded them, and my rally-back has gone far better than expected. I'm totally good with that. 


Anyways, that's my #BlissfulPersistence story, and I'm sticking with it. 

Have you ever deemed a special word or phrase as "your" theme? Did you pick one for 2021? Any goals in place for the new year? 

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up


I'm also linking with Debbie, DeborahLisaLaura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

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32 comments:

  1. Blissful Persistence is the perfect way to describe your attitude when life gives you lemons, Kim!
    You are the Queen of Positivity and I love that. I'd recommend your blog to anyone who is feeling down because of an injury and needs to see a good example of how to deal with it.
    I hope that you will have more "bliss" than need for "persistence" in 2021!

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  2. I so agree with Catrina - Blissful Persistence seems to be an ideal motto/mantra for you! You did a great job of making the best of whatever was thrown your way in 2020 and I have not doubt you'll make the very best of 2021.

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    1. Thank you, Michelle <3 2020 certainly gave all of a run for our optimism LOL

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  3. Love this! Whenever I see the word blissful it puts a smile on my face. Add this in with persistence and you've got a winning combination!

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    1. Let's hope it's a winning combo! Once the words came to me, I just couldn't let them go.

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  4. This is great and perfect for you.

    You did not let an injury or the pandemic stand in your way. You adapted and persisted. And always seemed happy (at least on the outside with your bright colors and hashtags).

    hope 2021 is a good year for us both...blissful at least.


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    1. There were some tough times, too, but they were shadowed by all the good that did arise from the turmoil. Here's hoping 2021 is kind to us both!!

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  5. Perfect motto for 2021! I always admire your optimism through challenges. Congrats on your 2020 milestones!

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    1. Thanks, Janelle ;-) Optimism does us more good than negativity, and 2020 certainly dumped a lot of #ish on us...

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  6. I love it! A great motto with a good story. Isn't it amazing how running and anything outdoors just became more popular? I remember going to the trails, and just a throng of people would be there-- so much for social distancing. Selfishly, that's the one part I did not like BUT at the same time, I loved how people just embraced the outdoors.

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    1. I remember back in the spring, when things were just "getting started." We'd see so many families out walking in the evenings. It was nice seeing all that activity!

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  7. Yes! Nevertheless she persisted...blissfully.

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  8. This is perfect for you! I hope you have a great year of running, hopefully with less drama.

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    1. We all can hope for less drama in 2021. I think we're all due for some fun and normalcy (albeit still with COVID precautions LOL).

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  9. A perfect choice for you! You are nothing if not blissful and persistent. Two of the many things I love about you!

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  10. I don't think you could have selected a better phrase. Blissful Persistence defines you in so many ways, pandemic or not! What jumps out at me from your stats is your walking! That's incredible! Let's keep moving forward, keep rocking those awesome colours, if we survived 2020, I say we will thrive in 2021!

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    1. Yes, we made it through 2020 (dare I say with flying colors? LOL). My walking took a hit, as well, with the stress fracture, but I was able to log a few more miles walking as I slowly eased back to running. I love walking, I think it's a shame so many runners don't respect it as a legit activity, especially on recovery days.

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  11. Smile through the sweat is such a good one. It's all about attitude in so many ways. You can quit when injured, or you can find another outlet.

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    1. Thank you, Cari ;-) Yes, I strongly Believe attitude is everything. Quitting is not an option because there's always a detour LOL

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  12. Those are still great numbers for the year! Biking proved to be very fulfilling for both of us and I'm so thankful we had an alternative!

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    1. Yes, biking really came through for us, didn't it!!!! We need to chat a bit more about that possible century ride....

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  13. I always have goals, but not so much running goals for 2021. I suspect I'll mostly be slogging away again.

    I've always said, though, that one of my superpowers is my consistency. I will always show up & do the work, no matter what that may look like. That's persistence for you. :)

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  14. Kim, it is just remarkable how you maintain your positive outlook. I love reading your posts. They are always such an inspiration and encouragement to me. Awesome stats from 2020 and I really like your phrase for 2021. Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you so much, Laurie ;-) Optimism is a choice, and I just refuse to give in to all the negativity & ugliness everywhere else. Best wishes for a great 2021 <3

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  15. I love your word/theme/motif for the year! It's inarguably "you": positive, unstoppable, and driven. I am looking forward to following your journey into this year!

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  16. Your phrase shows how positive your outlook is, despite all that 2020 brought! I hope your 2021 is blissful!

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  17. I love your word and it is perfect for you! I enjoy reading your posts because they're always so positive. I mean, you've had your tough moments, but you've managed to keep moving forward and keeping a positive attitude.

    Thank you for linking up with us!

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