Witnessing the joy of my girl and her cousins as they weaved their way through a maze, went down a hill slide, and played in the store at Weber's Farm this weekend. They enjoyed themselves and continued to do so for another 24 hours or so afterwards. My girl was happy to spend time with her cousins. And I'm happy to see her happy. :-)

Great fall days... sun with a few clouds, light breeze, perfect running temperature. I loved this day from start to (almost) finish!

The lightness after having four inches of my hair chopped off. I went in fully engaged in the thought that it is time to let go and finally donate my hair once and for all. However, it would have ended up shorter than I like so instead I let go of the plan to donate my hair. ~Let go~

Running through a tunnel I used to run through with my girl in the running stroller... she would giggle and clap to hear the echo. Good memories!

Spending some joyous time with my girl. She was all smiles, all evening. She was so happy to buy herself ice cream from the ice cream truck. She's growing up so fast! I'm so in love with her.

Meditating with company. So powerfully soothing to the core of my soul.

Pumpkin coffee from DD, spending extra time with my girl on a lazy day, and re-reading some good soul touching text.

Awesome trail runs!

Walking out of the bathroom after brushing my teeth and hearing my girl reading a book out loud to herself.

Music. There's so much about it I appreciate. The passion, feelings I have while listening, memories... special moments. I love music!

Leaves starting to change color! I love the fall.

Work productivity.

Zoning out at home and catching up on my series recap of The Office (I <3 Netflix).

Being me. Sitting with my emotions, high and low, and knowing that they are mine... owning them.

I can't stop... Came across this in my old blog and it's quite worthy of a re-post.

Prior to the race I reflected on an article a friend sent me this week about what a four-year-old should know (http://www.magicalchildhood.com/articles/4yo.htm). It discusses how "We are such a competitive culture that even our preschoolers have become trophies and bragging rights." Four year olds, and all children for that matter, should know that they are loved, safe, they can trust their instincts, how to laugh and use their imagination, and that the world and they are magical.

The article further discusses what parents should know: that all children learn at their own pace, the single best prediction of academic achievement is reading, that being the smartest or most accomplished kid in class does not equate happiness, that children deserve to be surrounded by books, nature, art supplies and the freedom to explore them, that our children need more of us, and that our children deserve to know that they're a priority for us and that we truly love to be with them.

I cannot agree more with this article . It really hit home for me. I have never been concerned or overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising a child. I have encountered moments when I compare Little M to her peers to make sure she is on the right track, but for the most part I try to stay away from engaging in that behavior. Instead, I have focused on loving her the best way I know how and offering her tools to learn (but being careful not to spoil her). It is nice to know that despite the competitive culture in which we live, there are others out there like me who value the simplicity of loving their children.

My mind wandered from the article back to my race. I hope that Little M's understanding of my racing goals results in an appreciation for exercise, fun, dedication, and perseverance. Though I blog about my race results and awards, I am not really on this journey for the competition. I have to admit, it has been a nice bonus, and I include information about it in the blog so I will remember it when I am 60. I want Little M to know that over the course of this year I have learned so much about myself that only strengthens my ability to help raise her and provide her with the knowledge that she is loved. Most importantly, it is my goal to help teach her how to love herself as that will be the cornerstone of her ability to successfully navigate through her life.

And... another for today: reading my old blog. I am soooo glad I wrote it. What a fantastic record of a very transformational year. It's also motivational as I prepare mentally for a half marathon next month. :-)

Easy days with my girl. Slept in, sipped excellent coffee, shopped, partied, and ended the day with ice cream and play time. I treasure days like today. Helps that the weather is downright AWESOME!

Watching my girl's eyes light up as she excitedly recapped her night at gymnastics, complete with demonstrations. Love her!!!

Being quiet with myself. It takes practice, but it's worth it.

Being in touch with my spiritual side. Pure JOY!

Clarity.

This version of Amazing Grace was shared by Wayne Dyer when he spoke Friday evening in DC. Simply beautiful. I have been so very blessed with grace from many over the course of my existence in this physical form. I am so very grateful.

Walking in to the gym and having a one-on-one encounter with the man who ignited my spirituality in 2007, Dr. Wayne Dyer. I am so grateful and humbled that I was able to shake his hand and speak to him.

Namaste.

Preparing for a weekend amongst some of my favorite authors. I am so very grateful to have this opportunity. I am joy-filled! :-)

Self-proclaimed scatterbrained Coldplay fan... This has been on repeat all week!

"Steal my heart and hold my tongue.
I feel my time, my time has come.
Let me in, unlock the door.
I've never felt this way before."


"The wheels just keep on turning,
The drummers begin to drum,
I don't know which way I'm going,
I don't know what I've become."

~~~~~

Also remembering my Pop Pop whose birthday would have been today. Wherever your beautiful soul may be in this universe, I hope you feel this deep love your youngest grand baby continues to send your way!

Open and honest communication. Sometimes joyful, sometimes heartbreaking.. always enlightening.

I read a LOT. I appreciate most of what I read, but sometimes things just strike me and course right through my body. I came upon this article at exactly the right moment for me.

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/33-things-to-accept-and-embrace/

A couple of entries that particularly resonated with me are below. What great reminders for me. I am truly humbled.

2. Perfection cannot be obtained (and it’s boring anyways). Trying to be perfect makes us feel inferior and desperate to change; owning our uniqueness makes us feel worthy and excited to evolve.

3. Love will be messy at times. Sometimes love looks nothing like the ideal. Unless you’re in an unhealthy relationship, lean into the messiness. That’s where the intimacy is.

7. Tomorrow is uncertain. Despite all our planning, plotting, worrying, or dreading, what will be will be—and no matter how scared we feel right now, we can and will make the most of it.


10. We can’t change other people. We have to want to change in order to do it. No matter how much we wish someone would act differently, it has to be his or her choice.

13. We are worthy, just as we are. Growth is a lifelong proposition, with no static endpoint. We do it not because we lack value, just as we are, but because we value ourselves.

16. We are going to redefine ourselves. It’s tempting to cling to roles and ideas of who we are, but who we are is always evolving. Life’s far more fulfilling if we see changes as adventures.

18. We will hurt at times. Pain is inevitable. It’s not a sign that something’s wrong with us or our lives; it’s a sign that we’re human, and we have the courage to care and live fully.

19. We will mess up at times. We will make mistakes—and sometimes the same ones over and over again. This is a big part of how we learn. The important thing is that we do.

20. People won’t always forgive us. We can’t make someone stay in our lives; we can only make amends and then be strong enough to accept the consequences of our actions.

21. Peace is forgiving ourselves. We don’t deserve to cower in shame—and it won’t do us any good. If we want to be happy, we need to cut ourselves some slack and believe we’re doing the best we can.

24. We are never alone. It might feel like it, but there is always someone to offer love, kindness, and support. We just need to be willing to reach out and ask for what we need.

Contemplation and perspective. Forever learning.

Being snapped back to reality and beginning to reassess priority placement.