|

|

And just like that, it’s November.

I know it’s cliche, but really, time just flies by anymore. I’m reading a book about Busyness, and the author points out that the opposite of busy isn’t relaxation, rather the opposite of busy is sustained, focused attention. Beating busyness isn’t about managing our time more efficiently, it’s about shifting our focus to the things that matter and being present in the moment or with the people you care for. We all know we need to be present in the moment and all that, but I’m realizing that the busier I am, the more of life I actually miss out on.

I want to live more intentionally and treasure the moments because if I don’t, I fear I’m going to look back at my life and it will be a blur. I think that’s why I love running so much. It forces me to be in the moment, to take in the sky and the trees and the changing of the seasons, and to think without distractions.

Yesterday I ran my first 5K in well over a year. It’s actually been exactly two years since I ran my half marathon, and I spent 18 out of the last 24 months recovering from one injury or another. The fact that I’m running again is a huge blessing. I really thought I’d have to give it up. Maybe I still will at some point, but for now, my feet seem to be holding up.

It was a beautiful day, and the race was on a flat wooded trail that winds along the Schuykill River.

oaks 5k

My race time of 30:29 was respectable, but I didn’t make my goal to run it in less than 30 minutes. I guess that leaves plenty of room for improvement, right!?!

I woke up with what I thought was an allergy, but by the time I got home from the race, I knew it was a full blown “man-cold.” I’ve always found that phrase rather amusing because my man isn’t a baby when he’s sick, but I sure am. This thing has slayed me. I’m worthless. I went right to bed when I got home — running clothes and all. I know, gross.

I did manage to get up later on and shower and put on a cute outfit and get a few pictures for the blog. Priorities, ya know! I was hoping I would feel better if I put myself together, but it didn’t work. I had a few pieces of gluten-free pizza and sat down to read my book while my husband handed out candy to the trick-or-treaters. You know I’m sick if I don’t answer the door on Halloween. I love that job!

Speaking of which, here are our obligatory Halloween pictures. My girls went out trick-or-treating in the neighborhood with friends. 

Halloween 2015

C went as Elsa, and she dressed our dog as Olaf. Unfortunately they didn’t get the dog in the picture. Because she’s white, she made the perfect Olaf. Maybe I can talk her into a do-over this afternoon. R and her friend went as Mal and Evie from The Descendants. And the cute little button sitting in the grass went as a panda.

D went to a costume party with friends, and he dressed up as Three-Hole-Punch Jim. He’s a huge fan of The Office, as are most of his friends, evidently, because he promised they would get it.

david-halloween

After he left the house, I googled it and discovered that he should have worn a tie and carried a white coffee mug. Take a look.

3-hole-punch-jim

I wish I’d taken more interest and helped him tweak the costume, but I’m sure it was a hit, just the same. I was in bed when he got home last night, so I can’t wait for him to wake up so I can ask him how it went.

I’m not feeling much better this morning so I’m gonna lay low here at home today and try to rest and recover so I can get back to work tomorrow. I hope you’re feeling better than I am!

I’ll leave you with this. It came in my email from She Reads Truth.

colossians 3-12

I felt like it was particularly appropriate given my focus on fashion and clothing. While it’s fun to pay attention to fashion trends and put outfits together, I’m always aware that the things of this world are fleeting, and they can’t save us or even make us happy for much more than a few minutes. True beauty comes in the form of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience — and those attributes can only be truly attained from knowing Christ.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Join The Conversation

18 Responses

  1. Congrats on your race & completing it when you were coming down with a cold!! The book sounds interesting – what is the title & author of the book? Have a restful Sunday & I hope you feel better soon.

  2. Jo-Lynne, I sure hope that you can rid of the nasty cold and feel better soon. I bet that with three children you don’t have time to be sick. Have a blessed day!

  3. So sorry you’re under the weather with that ‘man-cold!’ Will you share the name of the book you’re reading. Sounds like one with wisdom that would be helpful to me. Thank you.

  4. Hello! I follow you since about a month and I reailze how similar we can be even with a lot of miles of distance and diferent cultures and contries between us. I totally agree with all your comments, I believe that people have to care itself and then look and care after everyone around. We have to create a chain of trusts love and valiues to be a better world. Hugs and best whishes toyou and all your family from Mexico! Again, sorry for my grammatics.

  5. Aw, I hope you are feeling better quickly! At least you got your run in! I appreciated all of your written thoughts today – especially pointing out that the opposite of busy isn’t relaxation, but sustained, focused attention. Something to think about! Also reminded me of the John Lennon quote: “Life is what happens when we’re busy making other plans.” Busy, busy, busy. Ugh. As you said, the busier we are, the more of life we miss out on! Thank you for the beautiful fall photos and the reminder to – purposely – take it all in.

  6. I like that comparison- the opposite of busy is sustained, focused attention. Good to remember. I like aerobic exercise-biking or walk/jogging- for clearing my head. It’s my time to get away from little people (& big people) and the phone, and the computer and the list could go on. I know some people like to listen to music or podcasts, but I like to not have input during that time- either to think things through, pray, or just look at my surroundings.

  7. Your emails are a breath of fresh air. Praying you are soon healed from your nasty “man-cold”.

    Blessings,
    Michelle

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *