Run Backward
Change your perspective
Hello Friends,
I shared this story on Instagram and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
This week I ran backward. Well, not actually backward, I just ran my usual loop counterclockwise instead of clockwise. It was weird. The parts where I normally run downhill were now uphill and it felt like I was always going uphill which means my usual route must be all downhill (impossible I know). This lead me down a self-loathing train of thought where I told myself, "See! There's the proof, you always pick the easy route."
I was huffing up one particularly steep part of the trail and saw a couple walking ahead of me. As I passed them, the woman turned around and looked straight at me. She had her hands on her hips and was wearing shorts, a fanny pack, and a triangle string bikini top. This woman was in her 60's and defines what it means to have no fucks left to give. She is my new hero. As I was coming down the hill I stopped for a minute to take in the view from this new angle and it was nice. I think I'll do more things backward.
During this month of New Year, New You B.S. I invite you to try a new kind of resolution. Change your perspective. It doesn't have to be a big shift. It can be something as simple as taking a different route to work or starting from the other end of the grocery store, though that actually sounds terrible to me, so maybe just stick to the alternate route idea. Your new view might surprise you and lead to other small changes. I read a book this week that said, "Never underestimate the big importance of small things."
P.S. Are you enjoying this content? Why not share it with someone?
QUOTE
Just Finished
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Have you ever wondered what if you married someone else or took a different job? Do you have regrets? Nora is depressed and thinks she has no reason to live. She is transported to the Midnight Library where she can choose “books” or lives where she made different choices.
I love this book (present tense) Had I read it on the page instead of audio I would have hugged it when I finished. (more)
Half Light by Tayari Jones
Set in Atlanta the book packs in a story of a marriage, divorce, the weight of expectations of parents, and sibling dynamics into 1 hour and 20 minutes narrated by the talented Bahni Turpin.
I call these "small window" stories because they show just one small moment in life, but tell a full story. (more)
Links to Ponder
“January 2022 arrives as our methods of keeping time feel like they are breaking. Calendar pages turn, yet time feels lost. In this year of all years, what does it mean for a year to be new?” (New York Times)
Perfecting the Grain Bowl (Wit & Delight)
6 of the Best Descriptions of Winter in Literature (Lit Hub)
We get self-depreciation all wrong. (Wit & Delight)
2 Stanford Students set out to hike three of America’s longest trails. What could go wrong? (L.A. Times)
“Stop chasing perfection before you even take a step.” A powerful conversation with Olympic athletes about the difference between goals, curiosity, and instinct. (The Rich Roll Podcast)
Rachel Cargle is giving herself permission. She also has an amazing organization that provides mental health services for Black women and girls. (Instagram)
Where Will You Find Quiet this Winter? (Cup of Jo)
3 bouquets of flowers before spring (Before Breakfast Podcast)
What are you reading or listening to this week? What have you created that wasn’t there before? Post your response in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @emilykathleenwrites