Some thoughts for a new year

 

Nativity with robots

It's been a much longer gap between posts than I intended. 

Recovery from the Spiral wasn't straightforward and I have been really struggling with fatigue over the last couple of months. It's been so bad that I was getting home from work and just lying under a blanket until going to bed at 8pm. Some of this malaise is down to the lack of daylight (every year I'm finding the winter months more difficult), but I also had to get blood work done last month and it turned out that lots of things are not as they should be which also accounts for being so wiped out. I'm taking various things to help sort it out but it was also suggested that I pay careful attention to my diet as well. I thought I was eating pretty well but there's room for improvement.

In amongst all that there have been some awesome theatre: an impromptu trip to the NT with my younger one to see Bacchae, and a couple of other theatre trips to see student productions of The Crucible and Electra (again both with youngest). 

Christmas was strange. Not what I hoped it would be but still I am grateful just to have had the time away from work. 

New year itself was very quiet. I spent it with my dad who I think is being crushed by mum's death. At first he was busy and seemed to be doing fine, but as the year has gone on the weight of her absence is more and more heavy on him. It's breaking my heart to see. 

Looking ahead, I think this is the first time in years that I'm not starting the year with any races booked. I'm honestly not sure if I even will race again. I have nothing to prove and although there are a few races I'd love to have a go at, they are not accessible- either due to my very limited budget or because I can't take time off work. 

What did I learn last year?

 I don't need to prove anything.

 I can race- actually run to win not just come first by accident.

The best things for my fitness mostly don't involve running.

My energy is limited and I need to prioritise where it goes.

Maths, music, nature, reading, making, staying curious, as well as taking care of my physical health are all essential.

Commonplace miracles are more important than the extraordinary. 

A commonplace miracle- hidden in a Devon hedgerow I found wild strawberry in flower on New Year's Day!