It makes me happy that while I did eat each and every cookie I wanted to while we were visiting family this week (and believe me, that was a shit-ton of cookies), I didn’t throw my exercise routine out the window.
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I’m glad that I’m able to comfortably and easily hike to the top of a long, steep hill in order to enjoy the view.
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I like that I feel more adventurous these days, more willing to clamber over rickety fences and tromp around in the woods and explore dusty old barns.
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I ran nine and a half miles on Christmas Eve, and I am so goddamned proud of myself for that—for all the work it’s taken to be able to run that far, for all the work I’ve yet to do.
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I feel like I enjoy small things more than I used to. That I’m more centered. That I see more beauty in the world.
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I don’t know if I’ll ever be fully comfortable in my own skin. But I am happier, stronger, and more excited about the future than I’ve ever been.

2009 has been a hell of a year. I’m going to make 2010 even better.

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angelynn
14 years ago

Hell yes. Thank you for such a positive and inspiring post. I’m rooting for you in your 1/2 marathon and beyond. You’ve definitely lit a few fires under people (including me). Keep it up.

Jenna
Jenna
14 years ago

I just want to give you a big hug (but that would be weird cuz I’m a complete stranger), but you have inspired me in ways I never thought could be possible. I’ve joined the NOLA half-marathon, am committed to my training, am exploring the possibly of starting a blog, and just being all-around kinder to myself). Thank YOU.

Jen
Jen
14 years ago

This just makes me want to get up off of my ass to go for a run.
Well done. You are completely inspiring!

Penny
14 years ago

Did you leave a carrot for the reindeer too (last pic)? My mother in law introduced me to that idea, I’d never heard of it before.

Amanda
Amanda
14 years ago

I hope my 2010 is like your 2009.

Shin Ae
14 years ago

Wonderful.

Brought a tear (the good kind) to my eye.

Jess
Jess
14 years ago

Dude, that carrot….

Jess
Jess
14 years ago

What I really intended to say, but couldn’t help first commenting on the ginormous carrot, was, you are totally inspiring. I love your posts and they are just what I’ve needed this year.
Thanks….Happy 2010!

robyn
14 years ago

Amen. Truly.

I too saw the blue balls, and the carrot, AND the super-alert amaryllis growing out of its hairy root behind you, and was surprised (and yes, just a little disappointed) that you didn’t comment on ANY of them.

See? You are a positive influence … in so many ways.

Anonymous
Anonymous
14 years ago

very inspired in green bay, WI.

vickey
vickey
14 years ago

Sorry – just getting around to leaving a comment on your LAST post. When confronted with those kajillion twisty ties & a grabbing/excited gift recipient, I pull out the truusty giant toenail clippers. Just clip right through the wire at the front, & you don’t have to untwist anything. Another accomplishment to savor…

wm
wm
14 years ago

Sounds like a great year! Congratulations.

willikat
14 years ago

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with your readers. You’ve inspired so many, including me.

Last night I did an hour cardio dance class and then an hour of weightlifting. The day before I did an hour of bikram yoga. I can barely walk today, but it sort of feels amazing anyway. :)

Karen
Karen
14 years ago

This is seriously inspiring me to get on my treadmill and keep getting on it. Nothing builds self esteem like using your body as the tool it was meant to be, rather than treating it as an ornament. Thanks for the reminder!

Sonia
Sonia
14 years ago

:) Yes. Good for you!

Mama Zen
14 years ago

Sounds like you’ve had a fabulous year!

Meggish
Meggish
14 years ago

I was going to say something really sweet about how fantastic you look or how inspiring you are, but then I was like OMG WHAT IS ON THAT PLATE BY THE MILK??? Naughty Santa!

Amy
Amy
14 years ago

Right on! Keep on trucking! BTW I put you on my blogroll…you are awesome!

sarahbeanne
sarahbeanne
14 years ago

I don’t know if this is the right place for me to post this, but I have a similar relationship with fitness & nutrition. When I do what’s good for me, I feel better in non-fitness areas of my life too. I’m pregnant for the first time & have kept up with my workouts, even completing a 1/2 marathon in my 12th week! (I’m slowing down now, not to worry.) Even though people say that being in good shape won’t help you with labor & delivery, I think they mean that having firm arms or thighs doesn’t help. But I’m thinking that all the times that I’ve done things that I never thought I’d be able to actually WILL help me get through whatever lies ahead. It’s more than physical strength & endurance, it’s knowing that you can play through the discomfort, even when conditions aren’t ideal. Continuing to move even though you want to do nothing more than curl up in a ball. It’s good to throw those challenges at yourself, that way when one is thrown at you (or someone close to you), you know that you can get through it.

Nichi
14 years ago
Jill
14 years ago

http://thesimonssay.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-years-8-days-late.html

A few days late, but I had fun doing it!! Thanks!

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