'tis the season, right?
Actually, it's the Advent season....those 24 days leading up to Christmas Day. Whether you celebrate the Christmas holiday or not, there's plenty of good cheer and well wishes among many this time of year. It's also a time to think back on the year, reflect on things to be thankful for, and also prepare for the upcoming New Year.
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Here's the first five words and what they mean to me:
Awaken
Ah, how does this word NOT inspire anyone? This word was the perfect inspiration for me on my streak run last Sunday. The sunshine was intense! The air was crisp. It was a perfect day to be a runner, and it was an ideal day to be outside.
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| Awakened by the sunshine |
Wow. I have been on quite a journey this year. We all know what happened to me just as summer (my favorite season!) was beginning. And, I have written numerous posts about recovering from that unexpected surgery, the 3-month running sabbatical, and my journey back to running in recent months. I had five races to welcome me back this fall...and each one was significant in terms of distance and progressive pacing.
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| This medal represents an epic journey back to running and racing |
Did you know I'm an art geek? I'm also quite nostalgic, so when things break down or (in the case of our ficus tree) die, I'm pretty skilled at finding a new purpose for them. Instead of throwing out the ficus tree, I gave it a coat of black paint and turned it into a shabby-chic piece of art for our sun room. Every Christmas, I gather a different set of ornaments to decorate it for the holiday season.
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| A new combination of gathered ornaments for 2017 |
Running is not complicated. It's a sport that brings joy to so many people. Whether we run fast or slow, inside or outside, short courses or long distances...it cleanses our soles and brings us peace. This quote by John "The Penguin" Bingham says it all. Doesn't it simplify this thing we call Running?
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| Running, simplified. |
Boy, do I know a thing or two about healing. That scar on my knee is not very pretty to look at, but it represents a huge victory for me. Allowing it to heal properly enabled me to have a pretty epic return to running. Being sidelined from what we love only magnifies our respect and appreciation for it that much more.
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| the power of healing is phenomenal |
Where do you find inspiration? Do you have to look for it, or do key words/prompts do the trick? Do you do anything special for Advent?
***By the way...are you following me on social media? You can find me at these various platforms:
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I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0.
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What a cool challenge! Wish I would have got in on this from the beginning!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing how artistic you are! Would still love to see the rocks you painted this summer!
Oh those rocks...I need to reignite that fire. There are so many cute options for holiday-themed rocks.....
DeleteThis is a great way to reflect and plan for the year ahead! Love that quote about running- it really does help to simplify it!
ReplyDeleteRunning really is simple...why do so many of us try to complicate it?
DeleteI considered this challenge--what a nice way to bring meaning to the season!
ReplyDeleteThe Advent Word challenge came along at a perfect time for me ;-) The season is so much more than just endless buying and splurging ;-)
DeleteI love your take on the advent words! Super creative with the ficus tree-I am not creative like that at all. How fun!
ReplyDeleteWe jokingly call it our Charlie Brown tree
DeleteI love your "art geek" tree!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's fun decorating it for the seasons, especially Christmas
DeleteThat tree reminds me of the Charlie Brown tree, with your red ornaments. That's always a must when I'm watching my favorite Christmas movies.
ReplyDeleteWe actually have joked that it is our Charlie Brown tree LOL
DeleteI think this challenge is a great idea! You're right, running is not complicated, but it can helps us work through complicated things.
ReplyDeleteI thought the quote was a perfect quote to think about ;-)
DeleteI find inspiration anywhere and anywhere, especially when I'm out on runs :)
ReplyDeleteInspiration is everywhere, it often finds us
DeleteI'm just having trouble staying up with social media these days! Well, of course, you actually have to look at it.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a hectic month (for me, anyway, I'm sure for most people this would just be their normal). And #theparentstrugglecontinestobereal.
But I'll say you sure do know how to heal!
Well, the healing thing was a no-brainer for me. I knew I had to do it right or I'd be in for a long list of future problems
DeleteYour ficus tree looks fantastic! How festive!
ReplyDeleteThe ficus tree is fun...though the hubby thought I was crazy when he came home one day and saw me spray painting it in the back yard LOL
DeleteI love the idea of a daily word challenge for Advent! I agree with your meme- running really heals my soul when it is hurting.
ReplyDeleteRunning does wonders for all of us ;-)
DeleteThis sounds like a great challenge! I wish I would have started it!!
ReplyDeleteI love this and especially the ficus tree! :) You have been on quite a journey and what an inspiration to all of us!
ReplyDeleteThe end of the year is a great month for reflection and finding sources of inspiration to help jump start the new year. I can't wait to see your other responses to the Advent Challenge.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a word challenge on instagram. YOur pictures depict those words perfectly, cant wait to see the reset of them!
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