My Online Journey Begins…

Hi…

Well, this is my first blog! I have to say, I am pretty darn excited. Who knew that a seemingly simple statement on my 39th birthday “I’m going to live my 40’s better than I lived my 30’s” only a year and a half ago would have me jogging 40k on my 40th birthday, running a ½ marathon 6 months later, bungee jumping, hiking the grouse grind, reuniting with family after 20 years of separation and living a more inspiring, happy life….and then blogging about it!

Because I took up jogging a year and a half ago I can without a doubt tell you that my life is more JOYFUL, BALANCED and HEALTHY (emotionally, mentally and physically) than ever before.

In 39 years I struggled almost daily with depression, anxiety, unhealthy relationships and poor life choices. Sure, I did some great stuff in my life by being a good teacher, good friend, sister, daughter but inside, I was sad and so terribly frustrated that I couldn’t reach the person I knew was inside trying so hard to get out. In my wildest dreams I never thought jogging would be my key to opening the door to who I really am. Why? Because I never exercised in my life! Seriously, I hated exercising. I wouldn’t swim, jog, hike, cycle or do anything that involved sweating and moving…it just didn’t interest me. I look at my life then and I look at it now and I am a completely different person…on the inside and therefore, on the outside too.

Anxiety and depression runs in my family so I know it well. What I didn’t realize was how much jogging would help me in those two areas. When I drag myself out of bed, put my running gear on, slowly tie up my shoes, procrastinate walking out the door I remember:

– Jogging helps my brain…I will feel better once I do this.–

And I always do. Always!

I spoke to a young woman the other day who also struggles with anxiety and she said that her doctor had recommended exercising…she felt encouraged to hear from a ‘normal’ person who had suffered in the past that exercise had indeed helped in that area. Yes, it can sometimes be the hardest thing to do because you are tired, sad, stuck…but if you can just get yourself out the door you will feel better.

I will share with you my personal journey….how I dealt with the toxic relationships, my reunion with family after 20 years, my father’s funeral, stress of money, my career, past pain, current joys, how I bungee jumped even though I am terrified of heights…I will share it all with you in the hopes you will find something, even if it’s a small little piece of something, that will inspire you, motivate you to live a better, more fulfilled happy life.

That is what I want for you and that is what you deserve. Together we’ll do it, one step at a time…

With a smile

T