Mid-Year Reflections
Last week on Gretchen Rubin’s “Happier” podcast, they reviewed their one-word themes for 2022. That’s a good idea! Wait, what was my word for 2022 again? I actually had to think for a moment, but then I remembered my word for 2022 was “Start.” When I chose that word, I thought that it might seem like a great word for January, but not as great for June or July. Guess what? I was right! I haven’t thought about my word in months, so I went back and read my post from January. Oh yeah… boy, did my life suck! A direct quote from that post is, “I spent all of 2021 wishing I were running faster and farther.” Yep, I really struggled with my foot. In November and December I was getting shockwave treatments, and in December I got custom-made orthotics, which I was slowly getting used to. Then, as a final, crowning blow, I got Covid on Christmas and spent seven days lying on my couch. Things pretty much hit rock bottom- no wonder I chose “start” for my word of 2022! So how’s it going? Well, I can honestly say that I’m in a completely different place now. I have a consistent strength training/yoga schedule going, and, more importantly, I’m running four days a week, with a Sunday long run of ten miles, and speed work every Wednesday. I still wish I were faster, but at least now I’m able to work at it. I thought about changing my word to “Continue,” as in, continue on with what I’m doing. But then I decided a better word would be “Appreciate.” Too often I go barreling through life, and only appreciate the good times in retrospect. I’m in a place right now I was longing for in 2021. I’m signed up for races and actually have time goals. I’m able to get out there every Wednesday and do speed work, and every Sunday I’m out on the trails, which I love. My foot isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t hurt while I’m running, and I’m never worried about it limiting my speed or distance. Furthermore, it’s summer! There’s plenty of daylight, both my kids are doing well, and life is good. I don’t want to be like Woody Allen’s character in Hannah and Her Sisters when his assistant reminds him that he was miserable yesterday, and he says “I was happy! I just didn’t realize I was happy!” I’m glad I did this mid-year checking in. My one-word theme isn’t as important now but it gave me a chance to see how far I’ve come, and adopt my word for the second half of 2022- Appreciate. I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for their Tuesday Topics! What about you- did you have a word for 2022? Does it still fit? Would you change or modify it now?