New Beginnings...

Today, I laughed!

As I was having coffee with a dear friend today, I laughed like I haven’t laughed in a long time.  It wasn’t a funny joke, it wasn’t about much to be honest, it was about the time I now had.  As I was sitting at coffee, I shared all I had been up to, the new things I had tried, and frankly all the things I use to not have time for…such as reading fun, somewhat useless facts about comparisons of the 80s to today, vs. birth order and behaviors, to volunteering and cutting out shapes.  It was fun!

As another week winds down, my spirit is so alive!  This week was a pivotal week for me.  I shared yesterday that I was starting to enjoy and appreciate the quiet.  This week has pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways.  For the past 2 ½ weeks, I have sat quietly while at home, no TV, no radio, just me, the computer, some cleaning and laundry.  But I am learning to really enjoy the quiet.  I talk to myself, pray and really am taking in the moments that I may have missed previously.   

In this journey of change, I am also trying to be better to my body.  As many of you know…you would hear me saying- if a building was burning down and it was between running to save my life or die…you would probably find me dead- BUT…times are a changin’ :).  I told my husband, who is a runner that I would run a 5k with him this spring, so…guess where I have found myself this week…you betcha- on the treadmill.  But before I made it there, my husband had to show me how to turn it ON…SAD, I know.  But I took the first step.  I turned on the treadmill, I even got on it…and walked, then ran.  Though not far, I ran a ½ mile and surprisingly am still alive.  I will hit the treadmill 2 to 3 times a week to get up to that 3 mile run at a decent pace before the snow melts so that I can enjoy some quality time with the love of my life, doing what he enjoys, running!  So keep encouraging me…I’ll need it! 

So, as if starting to run was not enough for this week…I took the plunge with my neighbor to attempt Heat Yoga.  Insert LAUGH!!!!!!!  For all of you- you know who you are- who have told me how great and relaxing Heat Yoga is and how much I’d enjoy it- all I have to say is …YEAH, RIGHT!  It was the toughest hour of my life!  It was not relaxing; I was the one the instructor needed to remind to breathe.  It was killer!  But, I tried something new, and it is also one of the things that has made me laugh the most this week.  When I came home, the first thing I did was shoot my husband and email that said…”OMG, Heat Yoga kicked my…”  But, I am not quitter, so I will be back at it again next week.   To top it off, my dad of all people suggested that I use our Wii to learn some basic yoga poses so that I would be more prepared next time- bless his heart!  LOL!!!

It’s been a great week, I’ve had time to connect with many people and really sit and enjoy their company.  I’ve been able to try new things, and not take myself too seriously.  I love waking up every morning knowing that the first thing I do is spend time with the Lord, reading His word, and setting myself up for the day ahead.  My biggest learning so far is that it’s not about the what, it’s about the how.  And for me right now, it’s about how I am setting up my day in the Word.

I hope everyone has a great weekend- talk to all next week.  Blessings my friends!

Closing verse today:  Genesis 21:6 “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.”