Grati-Tuesday

I'm stealing RR's old regular Grati-Tuesday post idea, because it makes me happy. And for the suffer seeker - who has told me I post only things that make my life look like "sunshine & roses" - this is no reflection of a painted picture perfect life. Quite honestly (& especially at Christmas) there are days when life hurts. A LOT. But looking at the things I am grateful for and the things that make me happy, somehow life seems a bit more manageable and fun. We all have a choice every day - we can choose to let life get the best of us, tear us down and focus on the things we can not change, understand or do not like. OR we can choose to get back up, fight through the hard parts, and become better because of it. This is what I choose to do on a regular basis - in sport and life. It is not always easy. But it is always worth it in the end. And I am happier because of it. I encourage you to do the same.

On to the good things...

Maurice on Holiday illustration by Matte Stephens.

Seriously - that's just funny. A cat on holiday with his lunch (or pet?! No - it's his lunch!) in one hand and briefcase in another. Whatever the case - I am grateful for an upcoming HOLIDAY where I am going to explore Europe/UK for 10 glorious days.

RUNNING - after a month without any of it, I'm back to a few 30 minute runs every other day. It didn't kill me not to run for a month, but when I ran again for the first time I realized just how incredibly happy running makes me.

Melbourne illustration by Matte Stephens.

MELBOURNE - I'm going to go race the Ironman there in March. I have never been to Australia. I am very excited.

KINDNESS - I think the times when life is the hardest are the times we often notice it the most. I've seen in a lot this past year, often from people I never expected, and I am grateful.

Trees! by Helen Dardik

TREES - colorful fall trees where wind whips colors onto the ground and soon the tree is bare, Christmas decorated ones, I just like trees.

Feel free to add to my Grati-Tuesday list!