Sunday, December 23, 2012

More of This, Less of That in 2013

It’s always fun when the holidays are speckled with fevers, pukes and body aches – the joys of the season. My least favorite illness is making its way through our home and the homes of many of our friends – I guess the Noravirus is on a rampage in these parts. Isn't that the cruise ship phenomenon? You mean I get to experience the Noravirus and I don’t even get to go on a cruise?  That’s crap. I’d prefer a touristy port town with my vomiting, by the way.

Crown-Princess[1]

Well, I haven’t succumbed to Nora. Not yet anyway. So far it’s just been Ken and Emma. Let’s hope that’s not my Christmas morning surprise.

I’m not sure how much I’ll be around the blogging world for the next few days. I am feeling the need to pull back, to take a break. Just like with running, sometimes it’s good to step away so you can remember why you love it again.

But, as I prepare for this hiatus I’ve been thinking about the  new year. In lieu of resolutions, I want to make a promise to myself to really focus on what makes me happy and ditch the stuff that doesn’t. Sounds basic and simple, but in this world of overstimulation, over commitments and general busy-ness, the lines can get blurred.

This year with the tragic loss of Sherry, Lucky’s passing and the horrible events at Sandy Hook and other spots, I’ve thought a lot about what is really important.

P1120133

Taken from my back porch in March

Yes, happiness is a choice and a result of our outlook, the people with whom we surround ourselves and what we choose to focus on. For me, I need more of some things and less of others.

  • More reading good books, less reading magazines, Facebook, etc.
  • More runs with no/little attention to pace/time, less focus on what the Garmin says
  • More face to face time with friends and family, less emails and texts with friends and family
  • More listening to my body, less minimizing pain/discomfort/anxiety
  • More slowing down and being deliberate, less rushing through, multi-tasking and forgetting to be  present
  • More time running the Colorado trails, less time on asphalt
  • More breaks to make a cup of tea and breathe, less forgetting to stop and clear my head and reset for a minute
  • More talking to strangers and being open, less getting so lost in my own world I don’t reach out
  • More time spent in my community volunteering or doing cultural things, less time spent between the walls of my house
  • More giving, less taking
  • More trips to the farmer’s market for fresh stuff, less relying on grocery store produce
  • More self acceptance, less caring what others think
  • More sleep, less letting the “to-do” list steal my resting time
  • More invites to people to come over, less caring if my house or dinner is “perfect”
  • More attention to/acceptance of my unique self, less comparing with others
  • More time with those who make me feel good, less time with those who don’t
  • More Peace of mind, faith and acceptance, less worry about what I can’t control

Just some of my intentions for continuing to create a quality and balanced life.

What do you need more and less of?

It’s been great hanging out with you all this year. Your insights and comments have made me laugh, cry, think, and have helped me stay inspired. See you here next year – same time, same place?

Much peace and happiness from my home to yours…

SUAR

57 comments:

  1. As always you find the perfect words to draw attention to the items we all inadvertently neglect. Thank you - AGAIN! - for helping us all in mind, body and spirit. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  2. Sounds like a good plan. Enjoy your break.

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  3. So much of your lists would be on mine too :) Have a lovely holiday and restful hiatus :)

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  4. Your more less list is so spot on. I think we're all guilty of those things right now!

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  5. Fantastic post. I think you're really onto something here. I know I need to pull back from the computer a bit and really focus on what's in front of me. Since Sandy Hook, I've been making that concerted effort to give my family my whole self, not my "just a minute" self.

    Happy holidays to you, my friend!

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  6. Thanks. 2013 has been on my mind. This is just what I needed to get my butt in gear and plan my own intentions for the coming year.

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  7. You are a wise wise woman! Xoxo

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  8. I recommend more time enjoying that view from your back porch...I'm jealous. It is so ugly where I live in suburbia.

    I hope the norovirus leaves you and Sam alone. I've been seeing a lot of it,plus influenza, croup, RSV, and strep in my clinic. Truly the perfect storm of illnesses. I wonder what next week will hold for me, once everyone has had lots of together time and sharing of germs!

    I love your blog, looking forward to more laughs and inspiration in 2013!

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  9. First off - I hope you stay virus free!!! That is my least favorite illness, too - I'll take influenza over the stomach crap!!!
    I love your More of this, Less of that list. The past few days I've spent a lot of time thinking about 2013 and what I want out of it. Your list is so similar to mine it is almost scary.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
    Also, your back porch view is INCREDIBLE!!!!

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  10. I love your list! It's so true that to add more of something, you have to take away something else. A lot of yours are similar to mine, but also for me {with 3 kids 4 and under} more hugs, less yelling...more playing, less just a minutes.

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  11. Invite me over and I will be there...for a run on the trails and a drink after! :)

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Beth. Hope Ken and Emma are feeling better soon and no one else gets that nasty bug!

    xo

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  12. Merry Christmas! I have really enjoyed reading your blog during this, my first year of running! You were the first run blog I followed and still my favorite. Enjoy the holidays and your bogging-rest!

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  13. Gorgeous photo. Merry Christmas!

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  14. I always read your blog, but I never comment, and I've heard that that makes me a "lurker" or something of the sort- but every time I read your posts I get a little teary eyed, or I get inspired to make my life better, or more often than not, to try to make someone else's life better. Thank you for sharing the gift of your writing with the world- in a time when we are overstimulated and underconnected, it's nice to use the technology we have to make a positive difference. You not only inspire me in my running, but in every day happenings and normal activities. I find so many similarities in my life with things you have going on in yours- maybe not at the exact same time, or in the exact same manner, but in the sense that we are all connected. We all feel, and change, and grow, take steps backwards, or move on- we all go through ups and downs, we are all trucking along at the same rate, and it's just nice to know that although we may think we're all alone, we're really only one click, or one phone call, or one jog away from one another. This is starting to be rambly, and really all I wanted to say is that I love your blog. I love your honesty, and your sense of humor, and your sense of humanity. I love your 'more of this, less of that' for 2013, and you have inspired me to write my own. Who knows- someday I may even post it on my own blog, which I haven't posted on since February... whewwwps! (that will be one of my "more" sections...) But I just want you to know, that even if I'm not posting comments all the time, I am a consistent reader, and an inspired follower. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday (once everyone is feeling better) and that 2013 brings more joy and less heartache to you and everyone who reads your blog. Thank you, again.
    ~Sonja from Fort Collins

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sonja,

      Wow - this comment has made my day, my year. You summarized what I hope this blog is - a place for honesty, humor and connectedness. Thank you for seeing that and for letting me know. We indeed are all trucking along at the same rate and it's good to know we all share many more similarities than differences. Take care and thanks for reading.

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    2. Thanks for everything, and Happy New Year! Glad to hear you're feeling better... I'm on the upswing from a nasty bug myself, but again, you have inspired me to get out there and do a little bit or running, which I know will lift my spirits, and start out my 2013 the right way! :)
      ~Sonja

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  15. Inspired post, Beth - may next year be filled with more of what is important and less of what is not!

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  16. Happy Holidays and all the best for 2013

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  17. I second all the things on your list. Especially "less comparing myself to others". It is damaging and defeating to do that. And all the glitzy magazines, facebook time, etc doesn't help. I'm going to make that a priority of mine!

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  18. I used to have people over to our house a lot for dinners or informal get togethers. I do need to do more of that. I love having a house full of people, because I love to cook. I do need more face-to-face interaction, so I'm going to work on that this year.
    Merry Christmas to all!

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  19. Long-time reader, first time "commenter" but wanted to take the time to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season. As a father of 3 (just a little older than your kids) I often resonate with your posts, not only about running, but family, kids, etc, and the joys and struggles that we all share. Your humor got me to read the first tiem, but it's your authenticity and transparency that keeps me coming back. Thanks for letting all of us look into the windows of your life. Best wishes to you and your family for a great holiday and a wonderful 2013. Hope you come back refreshed and energized. As I look ahead, my hope is that we could all find a way to bottle the unity and love that many have felt these past few tragic weeks, hold tight to that, and pour it out generously as we face the joys, and the inevitable challenges also, that the New Year is sure to bring.
    All the best, a Fan from Hillsboro, OR.

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    Replies
    1. Beatifully said. I too hope/wish we could all keep that sentiment of compassion and unity and not just in the face of tragedy. Thank you for reading and for your kind words!

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  20. Stay well. This season I've become the clorox/lysol queen.

    I need more positive words coming out of my mouth and way less negative. I am my own worst enemy. Sometimes negative thoughts become words which then become action or in my case, inaction.

    Hope your 2013 is filled with joy, success, and wellness.

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  21. Beth, YOU inspired the WORLD this past year and made Sherry's tragic passing a reason to look inside ourselves and unite! And we did. I wear my Shut Up and Run shirt with pride. Merry Christmas, Peace, Love and Fitness and may 2013 be our BEST one yet!
    Hugs from Canada eh !

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  22. Merry Christmas to you and your family Beth. As has been well stated above - your words resonant in so many parts of our lives. Thank you for your honesty and inspiration. You have made a positive impact in the daily thoughts ( and actions) of your readers as well as provided the fodder for many old fashioned belly laughs! Enjoy your "break".

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  23. I check for your updated posts multiple times during the day. You make my day! Enjoy your break. I will anxiously await your return.
    Merry Christmas and a very happy new year.
    :-)

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  24. Fantastic post. A great reminder to us all. Merry Christmas! Definitely need 2013 to bring more happiness and less grief.

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  25. What a wonderful list. I think every single one resonated with me and I can't think of anything to add. Have a merry Christmas and an even better new year. I don't often comment but I always look forward to your posts. Thanks for doing what you do.
    Oh - the pic from your backyard is so beautiful!

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  26. More love, less hate. Love your blog. Wishing you and your readers the merriest of Christmas and a peaceful new year.

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  27. Sometimes I think you read my mind; so many of the more of, less of goals are exactly what I need to do in my life in 2013. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  28. Thank you for this timely reminder. Have a blessed Xmas and holiday with the family. Speedy recovery to the crew at home too.

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  29. You summed it up perfectly! I have been trying to make a conscious effort to do more and less of things these past few months. You have a gift in writing and I enjoy reading!

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  30. Enjoy your break! I've only been following for a few months, but I've loved every minute of hearing your perspective and look forward to more in 2013! You deserve some time off for yourself after giving so much to your readers! Merry Christmas!

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  31. It is always good to take a breather and recharge. Enjoy this time and we will see you on the other side :-)

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  32. I love your resolutions! I need more peace of mind.

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  33. Such a fantastic list that most of us probably need to incorporate. I definitely know I do! Thanks for the reminder.

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  34. More of only reading quality blogs (LIKE THIS ONE!!), Less of reading all the crap that is out there. :)

    Happy holidays and looking forward to your 2013 posts!

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  35. I love this post. Thank you for sharing your writing and life with us, SUAR is by far my favorite blog!

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  36. I think I need more of all of those things. Exactly.

    Also, hi neighbor!

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  38. This blog is so good , the view is wright and important in our life,I think the knowledge is creative.

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  39. I love this post! Thank you for writing it. I'm going to borrow the idea, and of course will supply a link to your blog for credit. :)

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  43. I like the more sleep one. I'm not sure what I'll give up to attain that. Maybe mine should be more sleep, less Netflix in bed at night.

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  44. Here's hoping that Noravirus was not in your Christmas stocking and that you're preparing for rockin' New Year's Eve.

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  45. Have you read the happiness project? Its a great book and your post reminds me of it : )

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  46. I love this post so much I Pinned it. Thank you.

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  47. oh wow! Truly an inspired and insightful list! Thank you.

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