This is a photo of my son’s bedroom in the beautiful winter sun. He may not know how to read his clock yet, or name all the countries in the world that hang on the picture above his bed (or the continents – did you know there are sub continents and even a super continent?), but he does know determination. Last week he woefully declared feeling “too tired to go any further” on a scooter ride, but when I offered to pull him he swiftly declined and said he didn’t want to give up. Yes, you go son! I was so proud. At the time I wasn’t sure where he got it from, but I think I now know. And as a return, I just channelled him now on my Saturday afternoon jog, at the exact same spot where he said it last week. My legs and lungs tiring, I thought of his inner strength and I made it to the end. The second time this week that I have achieved my goals, using the power of my mind and my heart. Just like Zelda (but that’s another story).

On Thursday I went for an opportunist run. It was the most beautiful sunny winter’s day and I was in a big hilly park, super happy for space and freedom. I’d been dreaming of hill running and suddenly, right in front of me was a big one ripe for the picking. But running up this hill I found my dream dissolving – I gave up :-(. I just couldn’t do it. It had been many months since I had run with any great effort (instead having to walk to let injuries to heal). I walked to the top, puffed out, bent over to catch my breathe and my head hung heavy. I felt deflated.

A few minutes later, as I recovered and stood tall ready for the easier descent, I saw another hill. This one was even higher. Could I make it to the top of this one? Should I even bother? Hell yes!!! I came out of hill one with determination. I did not want to be beaten. I have been called stubborn before ;-).

So off I went and with extra leg power and self talk (“you can do it, you can do it, run away from the monster…” – yes I do actually say this…fear can help as a last resort :-)) And lo and behold, I made it. It felt great. I needed this.

And then, de ja vu…I spotted another hill. And this one was a whopper! People were walking down it with caution it was that steep. I didn’t even think twice, I just put one foot in front of the other, pushed and kept going. Not at all fast, it was sooooo steep, but I just focused on my legs and the goal and slowly slowly I made it to the top. The feeling at top of this hill was the best. This time I hadn’t failed, this time I hadn’t achieved it out of Fomo or being driven by fear, this time I did it out of wisdom. Wisdom that came from experiencing the other two hills.

Channeling positivity and refocusing my mind and body, brought a big smile to my red face. And to think I had only gone to the park for a quick jog before school pick up. Get yourselves out there people (or doing whatever physical activity you chose – it is always worth it!)

Now back to the start of this post, I say ‘mostly’ in the title because I have also realised recently that we have to be open to growth to be able to gain the wisdom from experience. Only this week my hubby was saying how hectic June is at work, and had been for the last 8yrs – he said next year he will take some time in June – very wise, it only took him 8yrs to work it out 🤣. But he got there. So wise. So experienced.

I hope I continue to be open and to learn and grow throughout my whole life. I also hope there aren’t any geography questions in the weekend quiz!

Love Stripes and Trees xxx