One more benefit of running is how it can enable great conversations. These conversations can be ones you have with yourself, a friend, or a stranger, but something about running makes them easier to have. It might be the feeling of freedom that running offers, and the sense of running away from anything stressful. We can put aside our responsibilities and open up our minds and drop our defenses. No matter what the reason is that running makes them possible, the conversations it allows us are as beneficial as the other positive aspects of running. Here are a few of the possible types of conversations.

Conversations with yourself

When I head out for a run, I leave behind many distractions in my life. As my legs seek out a rhythm, I decide what I want to focus on. I can work through problems and brainstorm solutions. I have written entire articles in my head while out on a run.

My running conversations with myself help me the most with my emotions. If I am annoyed at someone, I can run it out and grumble to myself. If I’m sad, I can give myself a pep talk while I check off the miles. It’s a great way to sort out the many thoughts running through your mind.

Conversations to encourage

When running at a race, you see a wide variety of stories and needs. What I see the most is the need for encouragement. Just saying, “Good job!” or offering a kind word can make a huge difference. I have had runners come up to me after a race to tell me thank you for encouraging them at a moment when they wanted to give up. I know it always helps me when volunteers are yelling encouragement. One of those moments I will never forget was at my first marathon which was on Thanksgiving. I was a little tired when a volunteer yelled, “C’mon people! You are running 26.2 miles. You can eat as much pecan pie as you want!” Since I really like pecan pie, that gave me a little boost.

Conversations to share

Runners need to share their stories. They are struggling with life’s challenges like everyone else. They need to be heard and know someone cares. My friend Raleigh and I were overwhelmed with how many of these conversations we heard at one race. The race was Run for the Son, and it was a very small race, but there were many runners there that wanted to share how God was helping them with their challenges.

As we waited for the race to start, a man walked over and introduced himself. He told us he was recovering from colon cancer and this race would be the last one when he would run with a colostomy bag. I don’t like running with a headache, but this man was running with a colostomy bag. He told me he needed to run the race to prove he was stronger than cancer. He came in second overall by the way. That cancer was crushed.

Revelations

When I coached cross-country, we had a beautiful walking/running path at the school that we warmed up and cooled down on. There were always a few runners who wanted to stay after practice to run and talk. They shared what was going on in their lives and talked about challenges and successes.

Running conversations are so important. They can help our mental health while running can help us physically.

One more benefit of running is how it can enable great conversations. These conversations can be ones you have with yourself, a friend, or a stranger, but something about running makes them easier to have. It might be the feeling of freedom that running offers, and the sense of running away from anything stressful. We can put aside our responsibilities and open up our minds and drop our defenses. No matter what the reason is that running makes them possible, the conversations it allows us are as beneficial as the other positive aspects of running. Here are a few of the possible types of conversations.

Conversations with yourself

When I head out for a run, I leave behind many distractions in my life. As my legs seek out a rhythm, I decide what I want to focus on. I can work through problems and brainstorm solutions. I have written entire articles in my head while out on a run.

My running conversations with myself help me the most with my emotions. If I am annoyed at someone, I can run it out and grumble to myself. If I’m sad, I can give myself a pep talk while I check off the miles. It’s a great way to sort out the many thoughts running through your mind.

Conversations to encourage

When running at a race, you see a wide variety of stories and needs. What I see the most is the need for encouragement. Just saying, “Good job!” or offering a kind word can make a huge difference. I have had runners come up to me after a race to tell me thank you for encouraging them at a moment when they wanted to give up. I know it always helps me when volunteers are yelling encouragement. One of those moments I will never forget was at my first marathon which was on Thanksgiving. I was a little tired when a volunteer yelled, “C’mon people! You are running 26.2 miles. You can eat as much pecan pie as you want!” Since I really like pecan pie, that gave me a little boost.

Conversations to share

Runners need to share their stories. They are struggling with life’s challenges like everyone else. They need to be heard and know someone cares. My friend Raleigh and I were overwhelmed with how many of these conversations we heard at one race. The race was Run for the Son, and it was a very small race, but there were many runners there that wanted to share how God was helping them with their challenges.

As we waited for the race to start, a man walked over and introduced himself. He told us he was recovering from colon cancer and this race would be the last one when he would run with a colostomy bag. I don’t like running with a headache, but this man was running with a colostomy bag. He told me he needed to run the race to prove he was stronger than cancer. He came in second overall by the way. That cancer was crushed.

Revelations

When I coached cross-country, we had a beautiful walking/running path at the school that we warmed up and cooled down on. There were always a few runners who wanted to stay after practice to run and talk. They shared what was going on in their lives and talked about challenges and successes. On one run, it was two runners, a girl, and a boy, whom I had taught since sixth grade. As we were running, the boy told me he was gay. His father would not understand, so the boy needed to talk it out with an adult.

Running conversations are so important. They can help our mental health while running can help us physically.

Being a people pleaser

I have been a people pleaser for most of my life which means that not only do I want everyone to like me, but I worry constantly about what they think of me. I would spend too much time wondering what someone thought about me, and I would replay conversations to see if I said something wrong.

Making a change

In the past year, I had a liberating revelation that has changed my life. I finally realized that I am happy the way I am, and no matter what I do there will be those who approve and others who don’t. Just because someone wants to judge me doesn’t mean I have to let it bother me. I can let it be that person’s issue and not mine. Let me give you two examples.

I write for a news publication where the comments can be hurtful. Although I want to interact with my readers there are times when I cannot make myself read the comments. The solution came because of an article I did about Christmas lights. You would think the comments would all be jolly and bright, but they were all over the place. Some were hateful, racist, political, and generally crazy with a few that talked about the actual topic. I used those comments to prove to myself, and my daughters that those comments don’t really matter. I wish you could have seen my youngest daughter’s face as I read them. She said, “Mom, this is about Christmas lights??!!”

The second example involves a comment that my daughter’s boyfriend made in jest, but for a brief second I went into the old mode of wondering if I was being judged before I decided that I didn’t care. We were shopping when he said to me, “If you buy any more clothes you will need a third closet.” I do love clothes, the colors, and the textures, but I am a thrifter, so although I have a full closet, I am not breaking the bank to have them. If something makes you happy and it’s not hurtful or illegal, don’t worry about what someone else thinks.

The benefits of being yourself

Being different is beautiful, and often more interesting. Don’t worry if you don’t fit a mold for what’s considered normal. Find others who are like you. Being unique can be wonderful. When my son was born he had a bleeding blood vessel in his brain. He needed brain surgery a week after he was born and for many months after the side of his head was swollen like a large ball. I appreciated the people who asked about it more than those who averted their eyes. Even when the swelling went down, the skull protruded a bit. There is also an impressive scar. Instead of hiding all of that, Tyler often cuts his hair back enough so that it is visible. He does it to start a conversation.

Being content with who you are can bring you a sense of peace. Don’t live your life to make other people happy, make your own happiness and the result will be contagious.

The holidays are meant to be times to celebrate our blessings with family and friends and enjoy good food and fellowship. Unfortunately, if we don’t follow a few guidelines, those great times can turn into unpleasant situations. Here are a few things to consider during the holidays.

Realize this can be a lonely time for many people.

Not everyone has friends and family nearby to spend the holidays with. If you have an extra seat at the table, consider inviting a neighbor or colleague who would enjoy good food and company. Food is love, so it’s a great time to donate to local food pantries or consider volunteering at a food distribution center.

Don’t let the preparations overwhelm you and cause you to stress

Ask for help with preparations and tasks that usually take a long time will be done in a flash. If you don’t want to cook, ask each person to make a dish. If family is staying with you, put different people in charge of each meal. If presents become overwhelming, do a secret Santa drawing where you are only responsible for one person. Let some things go and enjoy the people and events around you.

Be prepared for the family member everyone talks about

Every family has that person who everyone loves, but who can be a little quirky or challenging. If new people are joining the gathering you might want to warn them what to expect. Form a united front to help keep this family member from causing any damage.

Have something fun for children to do

There are so many fun games and crafts to do during the holidays. Have an activity table set up and if weather permits, have some outdoor activities to do too.

Avoid certain conversations

A family usually means well, but some conversations and questions are best avoided. Here are a few.

Anything political

Don’t ask a student if he received all As this semester. You could ask instead how he likes the school.

Don’t ask a couple when they are going to have a baby.

Don’t comment on appearance.

Don’t be critical or make comparisons

Don’t break the bank

It is easy to spend too much between decorations, food, and presents, so make a budget and do your best to stick to it.

I hope these ideas help you enjoy the holidays with as little stress and as much joy as possible.

There is a song I love by Kenny Chesney called You Save Me. The first line says, “Every now and then, I get a little lost. You save me.” All of us are a little lost sometimes, and we need those people who have our backs.

I have several people in my life that save me. My husband John and my daughters Kait and Jess are the first ones who come to mind. John is the one who reminds me what matters, especially when I am not tuning out the haters. Kait reminds me to be kind, and not to judge because everyone has stuff, and although she is twenty-one, she has the wisdom of someone much older. Sometimes Kait will say something that completely changes my perspective on a subject. She is a deep thinker who always wants to see both sides of an issue. When she was growing up I always told her to do her best to see why someone was acting or thinking a certain way. She always does that. My daughter Jessica is the one who would jump in front of a train to save the ones she loves. She is fierce, loyal, sometimes angry, and driven. I am grateful that they save me with their love.   

My running buddies also save me. They push me and inspire me, and they lift me up when I am feeling down. Most of all they make me laugh, and I know they have my back if I ever need it.

Who are the people who save you? Are you that person to someone else? Kind words, encouragement, laughter, support, and love are the important elements that it takes.

I generally do not like to take medicine unless I have to, but there are some situations that cannot be solved with green tea and a nap. I also have had experience with three children and grandchildren, and countless students when it comes to maintaining good health, so I would recommend always having some basic medicines on hand. These medicines will vary depending on your situation, but here is what I would recommend.

Babies and children

Diaper rash cream. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times you change a diaper; the poor babies always seem to end up with a red bum.

A nasal aspirator

As disgusting as this process is, it helps to get rid of a baby’s congestion.

Children’s Tylenol

It’s a good idea to have something to reduce a fever. Cold washcloths are always a good idea too.

In general

Prescriptions

Make sure all your prescriptions are up to date and filled. I have a prescription for migraines, and I want to be sure there is always enough on hand.

Pink eye drops

A science teacher told me that there were over-the-counter drops for pink eye relief, and when I tried them they worked just as well as what I would have gotten at the doctor. Since you never know when pink eye could strike, it’s a good idea to have some extra.

Tylenol/ sinus pills

At some point in the last few years, I have become a human barometer, so any change in the weather means I will have pressure in my head.

Decongestion medicine

I can’t stand not being able to breathe through my nose. I discovered that Vicks makes an inhaler tube that helps with decongestion.

Vaseline

When winter hits, my lips need relief, and Vaseline is the best. It is also great if your feet are dry.

Cough drops/cough syrup

You never know when your throat is going to have that tickle that you can’t control.

I hope these serve as reminders of what you need just in case someone is ill. Green tea and naps are good remedies too.

A good meal is important for so many reasons. It’s a way to fuel your body, it’s a pleasure to look forward to, and it’s a way to unwind and enjoy a quiet moment. Unfortunately, many of us are too busy to spend a lot of time cooking. Fortunately, there are a few meals that can be easily prepared and can fill our needs. Here are a few.

Chicken and rice

Buy a bag of 90-second rice and a rotisserie chicken. Mix everything together in a pan and add in anything extra you like. I add carrots. Buy a great loaf of bread, and voilà, dinner is served.

Beef stew

Slow cookers are a true gift. Buy a packet of stew beef, dump that into a slow cooker with a can of beef broth and a can of cream of mushroom soup, and a packet of stew flavorings. You can add anything else you want to the stew. I put in miniature potatoes. Cook on high for four hours or low for 5-6 hours. I make corn muffins from the box. (15 minutes)

Chicken pot pie

Buy 2 pie crusts. Smooth one out in a pie dish and fill it with chicken (rotisserie again) and frozen vegetables. Top it with the other crust and vent it. Cook for 45 minutes at 350.   

Pizza

Buy pizza crust and whatever toppings you want. Get friends and family together to make a masterpiece.

I love using the slow cooker. There are so many meals you can make with it. You can put everything in and go about your business, and several hours later, dinner is ready.

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be successful at whatever they do? It seems as if everything they touch turns to gold. What do they do differently from others? Here are a few things I have observed that successful people do.

They are goal driven

Successful people make goals, and they form a plan of how to complete those goals. They revisit the goals regularly and tweak them to continually improve and move forward.

They don’t make excuses

When a successful person wants to try something you never hear them telling you all the reasons why their dream won’t work. Instead of excuses you hear the excitement and brainstorming as they figure out how to make it work. They think I can while others think I cannot.

They work hard

Successful people are willing to work for what they want. They know that the things that mean the most in life are usually those things that don’t come easily to us. If something is too easy to obtain we won’t value it as much because there wasn’t a journey and a story to obtain it.

They bring something unique to the table

Successful people can usually put a unique spin on something to make it new and interesting. They can take something we love and move it to the next level.

They meet a need

Successful people are thinkers, and they see the needs around us. They also are problem solvers who enjoy filling the needs they see.

They are relatable

We connect best with people with whom we can relate or admire. We want to support the people who know what we are going through, or who are living the lives we would like to live.

They are resilient and flexible

When a successful person reaches a roadblock, he finds a way to bust through it or go around it. He also is not hesitant t ask for help to move it.

They see the possibilities

They can see possibilities where others see the impossible. They say, “Why not?” when others say it cannot be done. They are willing to take a risk and try.

They learn from others

Successful people know that everyone has something to teach us. They keep their eyes and ears and minds open to new ideas, and positive ways to do things.

Pick a few successful people you know and observe them. What traits do you notice? Can you be as successful? Decide what it is you would like to do and get started.  

There is a new entertainment venue near us called Your 3^rd Spot. The idea behind it is we have our home, we have our work, but we also need a third spot where we can unwind and be entertained, and connect to others in a relaxed environment. The venue is a combination of everything you would look for to have fun. It includes good food, gaming, and sports, and there is a component of their app that connects you to people who have similar interests as you.

My first reaction was what a great idea because it is so easy to become caught up in taking care of home life and managing our work, but we also need to have a chance to play. We all need our 3^rd spot. You might be saying that you don’t have time to play, but it has been proven that when we take time to have fun and recharge, we are more productive. We also can meet more people when we engage in recreation, and social interaction is generally good for us.

Where would your 3^rd spot be? There are so many possibilities. Mine would probably be outside somewhere either at a race, in my garden, or walking in the park. The bookstore is another favorite for me, and I love good food, so any good restaurant would work. My ultimate 3^rd spot would be Paris, France because as a French teacher who has lived there and traveled there many times, it is my happy place, filled with good memories.

I would love to hear where your 3^rd spot would be. Send me a comment!    

We could all use some encouragement from time to time, but we might not realize the true power of an encouraging word. Can you think of a time when a little encouragement made a big difference for you or someone else? You might not have even realized what an impact you had. Here are a few moments where I saw the power of encouragement.

I always thought that as a teacher, one of my roles is an encourager. Teenagers usually have a million things going on in their lives, and high self-esteem is usually not synonymous with this time of life. A kind word can go a long way. Although I retired from teaching two years ago, I have been tutoring five girls in French. Their teacher is a perfectionist and because one girl has a southern accent, the teacher told her that her pronunciation is bad. I had to tell her that she was pronouncing things just fine, her southern accent was part of her identity, and The French were going to understand her. I wish you could have seen her face light up. She wants to learn the language so badly, and she needs some encouragement to build up her confidence.

I often see the importance of encouragement when I am at a race. There are so many stories and struggles out there on the road and trail. At a recent race, I had just started my kneepocalypse adventure, and I had to run slowly. When I was about a half mile out I came up to a woman with a knee brace who would run and then walk. It was obvious she was struggling. I ran next to her and said, “I’m having trouble with my knee too. Do you want to run in with me?” She said yes and I talked with her the rest of the way trying to get her mind off her knee. She came up to me later and thanked me for the encouragement, and then reached out to me on social media and thanked me again. We are friends now because I took a moment to encourage her.

As a writer, I need encouragement. I love when I see writers encouraging each other, offering some advice, or saying to not give up.

See what you can do with encouragement. Who can you lift up? I also hope that someone does the same for you.