Need a recharge? Go outside. Go. Out. Side.
Go.
Outside.
…
I’ll wait.
…
How was it?
Good right? Best thing I’ve done during this pancetta: get outside and walk (and run a bit!) most mornings.
Today, I went cross-country skiing, panini rules compliant, of course. So good. So much outside.
So, the point of this post: physical exercise boosts mental health. Physical exercise in nature is even better. Go outside.
Let me know how it goes.
This morning, for the first time in almost two years, I ran a kilometre. Without pain. Without painkillers. And I am so grateful.
It’s been four months since my surgery to decompress my spine and a year since the cortisone shot to try and get me back on my feet. A length of time that felt like an eternity. My mental health suffered without my go-to stress relief activity and the effects of pain management drugs are showing up now, a year later. I don’t really remember parts of last fall… Emails, pictures, stories are cropping up that I don’t remember at all. It is terrifying. Maybe this feeling of whole experiences missing from your memory is what functional addiction feels like?
For everyone that was patient, helpful, loving and present while I was not myself, thank you. I see you and can’t wait to hug you again soon.
I’ll be the one in running gear.
I just finished reading The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. A historical fiction, based on the real actions of Louise de Bettignies during World War I, The Alice Network is haunting and incredible. Unapologetic in its depiction of war and the suffering of occupied France, this book grips the reader from the first pages.
Louise de Bettignies, known as Lili in the book, was fearless and witty, quick and brave. Her network was one of the most efficient and effective operations in France. Operating in and around Lille, France, her network of informants could bring down new German fortified positions within days of their being established. The major information revelations in the book were pulled from real reports from de Bettignies. I don’t want to spoil major plot points, but this story had me reflecting whether I would have had the courage to do what these women did… Risking their lives to serve their country. The intimacy of their work, being close to information and power, knowing that getting caught would mean death but not necessarily a quick death. The solitude..the razor’s edge. The constant effort to remain hidden in plain sight. Perhaps my life situation now precludes me from truly knowing what I could do, and for that I am thankful. I hope I never have to know what I’m capable of but I do recognize the courage and sacrifice of women like Louise de Bettignies. Heroes, all. Lest we forget.
And so I’m investing in me..
This week I watched Cocktail, the 1988 Tom Cruise movie. Of “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys fame. Watching this movie was a topic of conversation the night I found out I actually like (pink) gin. Judge me. The movie is terrible but it’s still some delightful 80’s confectionery. They just don’t make soundtracks like they used to…
Case in point, the soundtrack to Stand By Me. Or Dirty Dancing.
Name one song from something you saw recently. The Star Wars theme does not count.
I read The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns. It was a loan from my lovely Great Aunt. The Hoodlet has it now. (That’s a reminder for me to collect it from her and return it. In case I ask you who has it.) This was a really interesting story of an American woman learning about her father’s time in the Navy in the early 50’s. Lots of water and all the connotations that come along with it.
What I’m reading: Resonant Leadership
In health news, my back continues to be a bastard. However, I did walk 3km on the treadmill while watching The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel and I didn’t take any prescription strength pain medication today! Extra strength Tylenol and Advil are still very much on the menu…
It’s the end of the year, a time I always do some reflecting.
The last 20 months have been busy and demanding. I finished my Masters degree, dealt with the most debilitating injury I’ve ever experienced, started a new job, and generally tried to hold it together. I’ve been moderately successful… Some of life I’ve handled better than others… I am planning to be better next year.
Here’s how:
Yes, I know those aren’t exactly SMART goals and the measures of success are unique but it’s all meaningful for me. You are invited for the ride!
What I’m reading
Philip Pullman’s The Secret Commonwealth and it’s being consumed with some Muscato.
Let’s go 2020. I’ve got plans for you!
In progress:
Me, Myself, and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being by Brian R. Little
I’m currently reading this for school and only at chapter three. Learning about the Big Five Traits of Personality and the continuum of each (versus the ‘x not y’ approach of other personality tools such as Meyers-Briggs) has helped explain why I get varied results on other tools.
Completed:
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
Part two of the duology that started with Strange the Dreamer. Fanciful and fluid writing. Both were so good. Don’t knock YA until you read some!
Lying In Wait by Liz Nugent
Interesting twist and quick read. Meh though.
While I was away…
I went back to work
Started my Masters in Leadership
Ran a handful of trail races… But didn’t race them..
Herniated a disc
And generally put running on the back burner.
Tonight though, I found that high.
Sweaty and happy, it’s time for a soak and a good book.
More to come….
What I’m reading: I’ll Be Gone In The Dark by Michelle McNamara
This isn’t a genre I’ve read much of and as I write this sentence, I actually can’t name another espionage thriller I’ve read. Since I’m admittedly ignorant of the genre, I googled “best espionage thrillers books” and John Le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold came up as the first result. Book selected.
I actually quite liked this book and ripped through it in under five hours. It’s a great travel read… Engaging but not overly complicated. No huge cast of characters to keep track of but still many plot twists to keep you interested.
Number of books read: 23
Mr Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore, by Robin Sloan, was the perfect marriage of the internet age with a Dan Brown-style adventure mystery. I loved it. Plus it was about books…
It is in the romantic setting of a tall, narrow bookstore with three storey ladders- that roll– that this book is set. I mean, how could I not fall in love immediately? That is my dream, to own a rolling ladder in a my library. Layer in codes, puzzles, Ruby and Google and I couldn’t put it down.
Number of books read: 22
hoodieruns 