*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, Deborah, Lisa, Laura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

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