love is all around

Love is there, always
You just have to look for it
It shows up in the most unexpected places
Inviting you in
Encouraging you to take that next step
Reminding you that you aren't alone

Be open to love
Seek it out
Share it with others
Treat it with respect and kindness
Do not take it for granted
Savor every moment of it

Nurture the love you receive
And show compassion with the love you give
Remember
Universally we all just want to be loved
Reach out, arms wide open
Sharing your kind of love
 

you, yes you

Be gentle with yourself as you step through this week.  The to do list may be growing.  The dishes may need to be washed.  The laundry may be piling up.  But remember to set aside time for you, yes YOU.  I know you are so busy thinking of others this time of year that you forget to think about yourself.  

You deserve a moment.  A slice of time dedicated to whatever you desire.  A warm cup of tea.  A brief moment outside looking up at the stars while you make a wish.  A walk around the block.  Time dedicated to working out or making something.  Take the time to do whatever makes you smile.  Remember when your heart is happy and you are filling your soul you bring so much more to the table when you are around others. Do not forget to fill up your soul.  

You bring so much goodness to this world
Never forget that
Your big glowing heart bestows joy and love onto others
Your kindness is appreciated
Your love is undeniable
You are a gift to this world

Know and believe this
Tend to this soul that is so brilliant and bright
Nourish it with love and kindness
Care for it
Be gentle with it
And know that when you love yourself
You are opening up for more love from the world

breathe in

Take a deep breath in
Breathe in all the goodness that surrounds you
Breathe in the sparkle of the sunshine
Breathe in all that makes you smile
Breathe in the quiet moments and the peaceful feelings
Breathe just a little bit deeper

Now let it all out
Exhale the worry you are holding onto
Exhale what is weighing you down
Exhale the hurt and the tears
Exhale what has not worked the way you planned
Exhale it all out

Slowly now breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in
Breathe out
Be right here in this moment
Exactly where you are

one true voice

Through the noises in your head
And outside distractions
How do you find your voice?
Your one, true, authentic voice
The one that whispers when everything is quiet
The one telling you where to go
And what to do
How do yo listen to this one true voice
With constant noise
Telling you what to do
Where to go
How to feel
How do you work your way through this
Untangling the web to find what is beneath
You
Your authentic voice
Your authentic self
Your true north
Dig deep
Find this voice
Feel the power that it holds
This is your one true voice
Embrace it, love it, use it

begin again

You can begin again
Right here
Right now
You do not need to wait for permission
The house doesn't need to be clean
The laundry doesn't need to be washed
You can start right now
In this very moment
You can choose to show up exactly how you want
You can let go of old habits
And pick up new ways of doing things
You do not need anyone to tell you how
Follow your own intuition
Do what what feels right and good for you
This is your one wild and precious life
You get to choose how you are going to live it
What happened in the past does not determine your future
Start now
Start right here
Forget about what was
Lean deep into your heart
And begin again

runbelthoffrun

It was the second best day of my life {the first was when I ran the NYC Marathon for the first time}.  A day I will remember forever. There are many stories, many memories, but for now this:

• My friend finding me before the start. Seeing him calmed my nerves and got me energized to step up to the starting line.  
• The electrifying cheers from the crowd.  When anyone said my name it made my day and energized me to keep on going.  I tried finding who said my name in the crowd and was so excited when I did.  It felt as if they showed up just for me, which was an amazing connection between two strangers.  
• Seeing two feathers in the distance and knowing that my family and friends had made it.  And not only had they made it ... there was more of them than I expected.  I was elated. Seeing them filled me up in a way that cannot even describe.  And even though I wasn't able to see them at mile 26 thinking that I was going to helped get me through.  I am so grateful for the craziness they put up with to cheer me on.  
• Spotting "the guy with the tray" who was just in front of me in 2014.  I couldn't believe I saw him!  
• The incredible highs and intense lows.  There were moments when I just wanted to give up and throw in the towel ... but I kept going because pain is temporary.  I ran through it and kept on going.  One foot in front of the other.  
• Seeing my friends wife and having her reach out and touch my arm. It was just the touch I needed to keep on going.  It is amazing what human touch and connection can do.  
•  Entering Central Park and feeling the energy of the crowd.  I was depleted and struggling ... but they took me through.  It was amazing!! 
• High fiving a little kid in front of Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.  He was a patient at the hospital who had come out to cheer on the runners.  He and so many others is why I showed up to run.  Because I imagine a world without cancer and will do anything I can to make that happen.  
• Seeing my aunts friend on the side of the road cheering all the runners on. She said my name and I saw here .... and didn't expect to see her which was beyond exciting. 
• When the stranger yelled "I see you"  Because really that is all we want in life ... to be seen.  It was her words that kept me going.  One foot in front of the other.  
• My father thanking everyone for showing up as we gathered after the marathon to celebrate.
• Seeing my sister in laws and brother there cheering me on. It meant the world to me that they were there.  
• The roar of the crowd as I came to the end of the Queensboro Bridge. When I ran in 2014 I thought the bridge would never end. This year it wasn't so bad which made me smile.  

I could go on and on.  For the day was amazing.  Beautiful weather, incredible cheering, amazing moments.  My heart is full.  I carry with me the light of my mom and I keep putting one foot in front of the other as I know she would want me to do.  I ran in her memory and felt her with each step cheering me on.  For it is running that has helped me heal.  And it is running that has made me stronger.  I am grateful!