Hearing those words can really hurt me since I do run every day and I can firmly state that it is not bad for me. It is good for me. It is very good for me. But when things in life get busy and out of the normal routine it seems way to easy for dear hubby to tell me that my daily running streak is causing the family to make sacrifices. When asked what that means it comes down to me being "tired" at the end of the day.Thing is, yes, I get tired at the end of the day but no more than I did before running daily. In fact, running energizes me. Yesterday being on the road at 3:30 am brought me a sense of serenity that I can't explain. The world was quiet and peaceful. I pondered what the few other drivers were out doing and you would be surprised how many of us there were. I felt a connection to those early morning souls, walked into the gym, got greeted by friendly familiar smiles, and ran my 10 miles before work. By the time I got home, I was still on a runner's high for achieving what I set out to do that day. For not giving into excuses. For finding my strong.
And yes, early wake up calls mean earlier bedtimes and I do see that means less late hours with dear hubby but in all reality, it isn't the quantity of time but the quality. In life we may have just moments to make a difference in someone's life. You have the choice to make that be what you want it to be. A happy moment. An agonizing moment. A frustrating moment. A loving moment. A forgiving moment. It is really your choice.
Like happiness. Happiness is a choice. I choose to be happy each day. If I am not, it is my responsibility to find my happiness. People may do or say things that make me unhappy but they don't make me unhappy. I have the power to return to my happiness. I do not need to relinquish that power to them. It is my choice. I will not blame or find excuses. I will be happy.Like moving my body every day. That is my choice and I will continue to do so for myself and to set a good example for darling daughter. There are so many reasons why daily movement is important. Aerobic activity, like running, can help alleviate the negative symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Hot flashes can be less extreme and I find that my anxiety levels and fuzzy head moments stay lower. I am happier.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity at least five days a week. With my running streak I have two rest days with only a 1-2 mile run. That is a maximum of 20 minutes and right now I have at least one 10 minute run day a week. And this is the minimum.
I can even step outside of the mainstream box and look at the blood type recommendations. I have O+ positive blood and all the reading suggests that I need vigorous physical activity up to an hour a day. I don't know if I buy into the blood type diet and recommendations 100% but they do make sense for me. If we take a side step, they state that dairy is bad for me. Yep, I figured that out over a year ago. I just don't want to totally buy into all their claims since I love my daily small cup of coffee and they say that is a no-no for my tummy. And yes, my tummy doesn't like too much coffee. I am in denial. But do I buy into the activity? Absolutely!
When I am down and out stressed a run can make a world of difference. And I hate to say it but I get cranky without my run/yoga time. I need that for me to feel better, more refreshed, cleansed, powerful, relaxed, peaceful, and calm. Is my family making sacrifices for me? I guess you could say yes but don't all families make sacrifices for one another and I am only using the word dear hubby used. In all reality, I feel it is compromising. Coming together and finding a way that all members in a family are able to get their needs and desires met within reason. Back to yesterday, I opted to run early, yes. But I also got home early so dear hubby could go out and run. Does that make me a hero? No. Does that mean I am harming my family? No. Does that mean I am working as a team? I would think so.So the next time you feel you want to vent or say something to a loved one stop and think. What is it that you really want to say? Are your words loving or hurtful? If these end up being the last words you say to that person, how would that make you feel?
Long story short - Is it bad to run every day? No. If you are not physically harming your body or another, no. Is it bad to use hurtful words out of spite, frustration, annoyance? Absolutely!
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful to have love in my heart.
Daily Affirmation: I am a loving and forgiving person.
