Out With the Old...

I've never understood the whole concept of celebration and partying on New Year's Eve.  I mean, I get the concept of celebrating what's to come but for me, this time is all about reflection over the year that's ending.

Hard to believe 2011 is almost over.  The year has flown by, as they tend to do as we age.  It's hard to believe I've been rehabbing the same, nagging injury for 9 months now.  It's hard to believe I have not imploded from frustration as yet... there have been many dark days when I felt alternately depressed, angry or hopeless.

I've had mood swings from elation at being able to run for 5 minutes at a time to being certain that I'm too old and broken to pursue this sport and might as well quit my training dreams and be done with it...

It wasn't a year of notable personal athletic pursuits or achievements.  Very disappointing, considering how promising things were looking right up until about March 2011.

Ah well, such is life... it's times like these that have a way of teaching you to appreciate the other things that happen along the way.

As I was slogging out my exercises in physio the other day, I glanced over and saw a young woman in a wheelchair who had no use of her legs.  She was smiling and happy as she did her upper body and core exercises with her therapist and she was so grateful to be able to do so successfully.  I smiled with her. 

I guess that was my miracle for the day.  It made me feel very humble and small-minded to be bitter about my hip/groin injury keeping me from running and biking when instead, I have a lot to be grateful for in my life and I need to remember to appreciate every ounce of it.

As I left the clinic I had a bit of a bounce back in my gait and wished that woman well in my heart as I said a silent 'Thank you' to her for the lesson. 

Moving forward, I really hope that 2012 brings a year of happiness and good health for all.

Happy New Year - one and all!