Guest Post: Gratitude ...by Pat Walsh

 ** A Reflection ** 

It is that time of the year and nice to look back on the year before we turn our attention soon towards 2023. Possibly last post of the year except for some fun and frivolous seasonal stuff.

10 "Be's" to think about and abide by. 🎅 

* Be nice to yourself.

If you are reading this article, then 100% chance you are a runner and that is fantastic. You have done something to improve the quality of your life and you are to be applauded. Keep it going and enjoy it. Don’t be hard on yourself.🎅 

*  Be grateful

Be grateful every day for the health and energy to lace up your runners and go out the door. Many that would like to, cannot for various reasons and never take this for granted. All runners know the high from coming home after a good run in a nice location with decent company. It is fantastic.🎅 

* Be thankful

Thanks to all who have helped me to enjoy running. From my friends who share the road, to the organisers of races and to the many lovely people we meet every time we run. Never leave a race without saying thanks to someone.

* Be Positive

If you can’t say something nice then say nothing. Keyboard warriors who take to social media at every perceived slight can hinder races and destroy the good work that is done. If there is a problem then a quiet call or a 1 to 1 email might be a better course of action. You say it best when you say nothing at all..

* Be Honest

After every major event that you prepared for, look back at what went right and what went wrong for you. It is only by making mistakes and learning that we will improve.

Did I go too fast?
Was my plan not realistic?
Had I enough training done for what I wanted?
Don't worry...!! The person who never made a mistake never did anything.

* Be Considerate

We share the road with so many others doing their best on a daily basis. Smile, maybe say a kind word, offer some support or encouragement. It can make a huge difference. Slow done and help someone, it has its own reward. 

* Be Sociable.

No bother here as most runners are great to drink tea and coffee after a run. Only runners can chat for hours on end during a long run and still go home and remember something they forgot to say.  A problem shared is a problem halved.

* Be Optimistic

Next Year I can and will do better. Is there an option? You must be optimistic and set yourself targets. No goals, no gains. 2023 can be your year.

* Be Happy

Pull out any medals collected during the Year. Maybe put 1 or 2 on the Christmas tree.  Write down the races completed. What other highlights did you have? It was a good Year. We are still running. We are alive.

* Be Thinking

Life is complicated. Running is simple. Running has so many benefits, that it is no wonder that people like to run. Put on the runners and get out there.

Wordsworth:- “ There is nothing more honourable than a grateful heart. “..

Personal note

Thanks again for your continued support, fun and friendship during the year. It is much appreciated. Hope we can have the same for 2023.

Have a lovely Christmas, our first in 3 years without restrictions.

May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve” 🎅

#pwr