If you have ever wondered how self-compassion makes running easier, here’s a true story that explains how. Today I choose ease. Today I ran a half marathon with ease. That was all I wanted, to enjoy the run, to feel energised by it, and to smile all the way around.
And that’s exactly what happened.
My self care and self compassion completely changed my running experience. Yes I could have pushed and gone faster, but that wasn’t the goal. It wasn’t about my finishing time today, it was about how I felt inside.
This ease didn’t just happen. It took some, planning and effort. And it took practice.
I was conscious of my breathing all the way around. Big belly breaths which didn’t just get oxygen to my body, it also kept me calm.
I gave thanks to every Marshall and every cheering person. I smiled at them and they smiled back. Thank you to everyone who cheered. It completely changes a race. I also hi-fived every child that put a hand out. Their smiles were priceless. Gratitude is a powerful Positive force.
I hugged numerous people along the route. Thank you for those hugs. They go a long way!
Most importantly, I spoke to myself with loving kindness. Constant encouragement and support only. Any negative thought was shown the door and booted out. Only smiles allowed today, and these smiles, for the whole 13 miles, were very real. I realised I can keep running long distances, if I just care for myself.
I even stopped for a massage at the end. My arse on full view as he worked on my glutes. I wasn’t bothered, after all I was face down so no one knew who I was – then I realised my name is on my back.
Today I choose ease. I was my biggest cheerleader and that made all the difference.
Make selfcare a lifestyle. Follow a guided healing journey with self-care practices. Learn self-care and self-compassion in the Blossome Self-care Community.
Kim Moore is the Founder of Blossome CIC. She lost her husband Chris to alcoholism in 2017. She faced a difficult journey while raising 2 children alone, with her family living on the opposite side of the world. Kim founded the Blossome Community and The Pathway to Peace healing journey so no one would have to feel alone while enduring the trauma of a loved one’s battle with alcoholism or addiction. She is also on a mission to end the generational cycle of alcoholism and addiction in families.
Kim lost her husband to alcohol dependency in 2017. She created the Blossome Community to help others enduring losing a loved one to alcoholism or addiction find a Pathway to Peace so they can let go of guilt/shame and live with self-compassion and joy.
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