I look out the window on this gloomy day and search for something positive. From inside, there isn’t much good within my sights so I lace up and go in search…
Out in the Baylands, the fog is thick and water is low — leaving a view of nothing more than thick brown muck. It’s not exactly a thing of beauty.
The birds however, poke about looking for little treasures much in the same way as my sisters and I did at a dried up lake when we were kids. If memory serves me, I think Lil Sis lost a shoe, Big Sis laughed so hard that she peed in her pants, and each of us got thick black muck all over our bodies…but we found an abandoned ball in the process. It was our treasure.
We had A LOT of fun that day! It didn’t matter that we got in trouble following our adventure across Lake Mud.
My senses are alive today. I run along listening to my music, and feeling the wind blowing against my skin. Beneath my feet, the dirt crunch-crunches as my ponytail swings side-to-side with each step. I smell the fresh stink of the Baylands, feel a soreness in my muscles, the cramping in my stomach, and the residual emotions from yesterday’s would-be-wedding anniversary.
With this heightened awareness comes something more. It is acceptance, and it is the “good” buried within all of this dark and dreary. It reminds me that although I experience these waves of sadness, I am ALIVE…and there is so much yet to see and do.
Beautifully put, Julie… I can smell the low tide as I run beside you in my mind. (Hey, it’s in my mind, and when I’m there I can keep up with you.)
You’re my hero, Juls.
Beautiful post. You’ve come a long way over the year, keep it moving!
Hugs!! Thinking of you.
Jack put it really well…you’ve come a long way and you must keep moving, just one foot in front of the other, one thing at a time.
Enjoy the fresh air, the fog or sun, the ability to run, the muscles that carry you, the heart that makes you care. You are very much alive. :)
Totally remember that day. I thought it was Big Sis who lost her shoe trying to get to the ball.
You’ve come a long way. I’m always amazed at all the strength you have!
Love you!
I believe there is beauty in most, if not all things. I also believe things happen for a reason. Someday, we’ll look back and understand.
I’ve been really enjoying reading your blog over the last few weeks since Jeff mentioned you’d be running here in SB. You’re a talented writer. Thanks for letting us tag along for your journey and hope to meet you in Santa Barbara.