Leaving the GPS behind and running ALONE......

..can bring out strength you don't think you have.

"I think that I can not preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least - and it is commonly more than that - sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements" Henry David Thoreau

My life does not allow four hours a day of alone time but the time it does allow alone is precious!

When running in the woods for a set amount of time, I just feel like I am covering ground. Today, alone, I knew I wanted to be out on the trails for a long time...so I went up and down and around and through many different trails. The snow was deep, slippery in spots, rocky in others..but no pressure to perform. I like to prove to myself that I am not a GPS addict and that I can go out merely for the sake of peace and quiet.

As many can relate, being the Mom of many children creates a lot of noise. And yes, a lot of exercise, both mind and body. But it is the times that I can get away and clear my body that only brings the strength to recharge, regroup, renew myself.

I like to call these long mental health runs as mystery runs...not knowing what will come out of my mind or my body. For this run, it was a ton of strength and a ton of good vibes - but that was this run, maybe not the next. And either way, I am thankful for the time alone and the ability to be out for so long by myself.

My friend who spoke with me this morning mentioned "so Jill, you should really practice the art of doing nothing". I like to think these runs of merely freedom running is my nothing. It is my chance to be beyond the "things" and the "people" that I am surrounded with day after day - granted I am SO THANKFUL for! Being on my long "nothing" runs is a way to remind myself of how thankful I am for all those who bring the wonderful sounds in to my life. But it also is a good practice, "the art of being alone" and loving it.

"When we cannot bear to be alone, it means we do not properly value the only companion we will have from birth to death - ourselves"

Door bell is ringing, kids are home....back to my life! ;)