Now and Later

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 164 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 834.9 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 346.50 Money Found For Food Bank: $53.35
 

Running this morning was the perfect way to wrap up a pretty tough week. Not much felt right this week from people stuff to the dog injury, but I was determined to have the end of the week finish better than it started. Mission accomplished!

And, I found this starfish and sea horse. Banner day!

Of course I didn't bring Elly with me, and, of course, she didn't understand that decision. But, her lack of understanding of the bigger picture went along with the over-arching theme of my week, so she fit right in.

That gets all of us now and then doesn't it? -- The notion of not understanding how the now impacts the later. It's a concept repeatedly visited in our home-o-teenagers, and the only effective strategy I have been able to employ has been to tap into the concept of trusting me rather than trying to make them see around a corner they have no concept even exists. By and large, the strategy works because I've worked tirelessly on our relationships rather than on tasks. And, then I do something stupid like slip into too-many-words mode, and I just know we're going to be revisiting the topic at hand because I just blew it. As in tune as I am with forethought and the ability to foresee potential outcomes, I certainly still get lost in the now sometimes, too!

I was pondering this concept while out running this morning as I altered my original plan for no other reason than because I could. I didn't have Elly with me which opens up different routes and distance. I had the time, so I decided to capitalize on a little more distance. That gave me time to think about the struggles of the week and how the underlying theme has been a loss of focus on a bigger picture (or, in the teen case, not even getting the bigger picture is there ... I'm here to escort you, my little ones!!). Running can get like that, too, which is why I've made it bigger than its steps. I have personal goals, some of which make no real sense to anyone but me, and I have perpetual hope of finding money for the Food Bank. In between, I take advantage of some of the only time I have to just breathe.

And, sometimes, I alter the altered plan entirely, and I stop at a garage sale:

I stopped because I could. What better way to add variety to a
run? By the way, if you are looking for your own copy of "A
Field Guide To Monsters," I know where you can get one ...

Any part of life approached as just the task at hand rather than seeing it for more than its face value is eventually going to be a drag. Think of the things you enjoy the most, those things that feed your soul and seep out of every pore. Those things that energize you. Those things you gush about when you speak. You know what I'm talking about.

Fortunately, we're complex beings with a huge capacity to be fueled by so many wonderful people and experiences if we want to be. I know I do! Elly does, too, although she's not quite as complex, so her gush factors are more limited. I'm honored to be one of them, though ...

... because she's one of mine!

No running tomorrow! It's going to be a good day to relax the legs and soak in some Fall! Have a great start to your weekend, and I'll check in tomorrow ...!