That’s A Stretch

Given that I now have the luxury of time and the ability to set my own schedule, I’m taking this year to try new things. I was worried that when I redesigned my career (again), I would be bored. Thankfully, I am busier than ever, but in a much more relaxed, enjoyable way.

I’ve been a runner for 30 years. During those years, I’ve used training programs, hill repeats, Fartlek’s, and Garmins to track every mile. This year, I’m running without a watch. I’m running as far as I want without knowing my time or distance. When I get tired, I turn around and run home. The idea of running for the fun of it is a stretch.

And speaking of stretching, I’m doing more of that these days, too. There is strong evidence that stretching is as important as strenuous exercise. I’ve tried yoga and the idea of holding the same pose for hours minutes is torture for me. However, I do recognize a calming that occurs when I allow my muscles to stretch naturally. I would still rather run, bike, hike, snowshoe, or swim, but I’m adding stretching so I can continue doing the activities I enjoy.

This year, I’m adding fiction selections to my reading list. I tend to gravitate toward biographies and self-help books. I have a few historical fictions I’ve read in the past that I thoroughly enjoyed, Wench and The Invention of Wings among my favorites. Lately, everyone seems to be talking about books by Colleen Hoover so I’m going out on a limb to see what all the fuss is about.

My friend, Robin, the host of a podcast called The Problem With Perfect, has invited me to co-host with her. I’m slowly getting comfortable with the idea of interviewing guests without social working them. It’s hard to ignore 20 years of assessing and therapeutic interventions but I’m giving it my best effort.

Lastly, for the past 6 years, I’ve led monthly guided meditation walks at the Denver Botanic Garden. This year, in addition to the regular programs, I’m going to be facilitating a children’s meditation group. The idea of acquainting 4–5-year-olds with the skills to calm their busy minds is intriguing to me. I’m not sure what wrangling 10 littles will do for my serenity, but I definitely think teaching them how to breathe through their emotions is worth a try.

Namaste