We just made it through the flurry of Thanksgiving, followed by Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. And just like that, we have 19 days until Christmas.
There is something special about the month of December. Well, that's my opinion, but I'm choosing to see it that way.
For others, it can be stressful, depressing, or chaotic.
How do you choose to see it?
A roadmap to find and cultivate joy.
I have not actually read this book (yet) but I saw an interview with the author, who describes himself as "a glass half empty" kind of person.
I'll let you read more about him and his very interesting and inspiring story, but I wanted to share something he said that resonated with me:
“I remembered a quote that went like, ‘humans cannot live without joy.’ What I learned was that [joy] was about connection with other people, and that community and connection is the underpinning of joy. When we have those elements in place, we’re really primed to experience more joy in our lives.”
Connection and community is the underpinning of joy.
Tomorrow morning I have been assigned to the "hot chocolate station" at the "Colder Boulder" 5k race. Volunteering is a simple way to get out into the community and connect with others, which can lead to intrinsic joy.
What can you do to find, cultivate or make your own joy this season? Think of it this way - instead of stressing about all of the cookies you will be baking, why not add in the secret ingredient of joy while you make them?
The author has an entire chapter on "The Joy of a Dance Party" - put on your favorite holiday music while baking those cookies and have at it!
Moving our bodies is another way to cultivate joy.
Make sure you remember to not only choose joy this holiday season, but move your body as well. Even a simple walk, or five minute dance party counts!
THIS brings me joy, along with hiking outside with a friend
Keep moving forward my friends, one step at a time.
Coach Nicole
Morning Movement Routine in 3 minutes!
A client had a question regarding tightness in her back and hamstrings. We had a discussion about mobility, and I mentioned to her how important it was to get her body rehydrated and moving first thing in the morning. I decided to make her this video, and share it with you as well.
"Done, and loved it! Thank you so much for putting this together. It's interesting that these are all motions that I kind of do 'naturally' when I'm tight because they feel good. This gives me the inspiration to do them systematically."- Janine
Well? What did you find?? Did you get any great running or fitness deals?? Hit reply and let me know!
I don't LOVE Maurten gels, and I certainly don't love the price. However, they are the gels provided on the Boston Marathon course, so I will be utilizing them during my training. I found a "buy 2 boxes, get one free" deal on The Feed.
TEASER
Next week, I have something very exciting to share! Until then, I'll leave you with this teaser...
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about JSR Coaching/Injury or Performance Consult - hit reply, and we'll have a chat!
Let me know if you have any questions or requests for topics in these emails. Thank you so much for reading, and forward to your running friends as well!
Jumpstartrunning Presents: In The Long Run IMPACTful THOUGHTS: Hello Reader, Well, it happened. My first BolderBoulder experience was yesterday and it was awesome, but to be honest, it also bummed me out. I was planning to volunteer - as a course marshall for the professional runners. Getting there wasn't the problem - I actually allocated enough time and parked without issue. I couldn't find my people and somehow walked 20K steps around the course: Didn't mean to "bandit" the course at the 5...
Jumpstartrunning Presents: In The Long Run IMPACTful THOUGHTS: Hello Reader, Have you been feeling over-JOYED lately? It's not uncommon for the topic of joy to come up on a daily basis - in conversation, on television (I'm not talking about the host from the View), and many different books, podcasts and printed publications. Why all the joy?? Joy has been found to have a positive impact on mental and physical health. This includes: resilience and coping, improved cognitive function, lower...
Jumpstartrunning Presents: In The Long Run IMPACTful THOUGHTS: Hello Reader, I thought that subject line might grab your attention! Allow me to explain: You can't make this stuff up!!! While scrolling through the Boston Marathon facebook page, I couldn't help but giggle at this "marketing" from Dicks Sporting Goods. The caption at the top was from the individual who posted this, and I'm SO glad he did. MEANING/MEETING IN MICHIGAN: It has been 33 years since my last high school soccer game. At...
