Hey there!
It’s been too long since I felt like sitting down and writing. Way too long. The best intentions were cast aside, always something better to do. Maybe not better, perhaps just stalling. Waiting. Waiting for the world to seem a little less crazy, a little more normal. January 2020 found me in Naples on my annual “Cake By the Ocean” tour, writing, enjoying writing, looking forward to whatever life had to bring next. For the next adventure, whatever it may be.
February 2020 found bits of information about a crazy virus landing in the United States. Corona? Covid? Here in Illinois we found it so far away it didn’t seem possible it would be affecting us; similar to the horrible forest fires raging through the West or the hurricanes that seem to continually batter the Gulf of Mexico and Eastern states over and over.
And then it happened. March 2020 the virus was here. Infecting friends, family and co-workers. Schools, restaurants and businesses shutting down. Initially it was 2 weeks. Almost like a two week vacation. I remember going to the grocery store, standing behind a woman and her teenage daughter in the ice cream section. The teenager glanced over her shoulder towards me while nudging her mom to hurry up, someone else was waiting. I just laughed and waved my hand “Take your time, I’m in no hurry!”, the mother joined me in my laughter and that was that. Who could possibly foresee what the next months would bring.
I think we all saw what happened. Weeks turned into months, months evolved into the next calendar year. Initially it (in my opinion, I was also lucky enough to receive unemployment) was kind of fun; I made the most of my time off, lots of yard work, walking with my neighbors, running with my dogs, cleaning out closets, drawers, washing windows, all chores long overdue.
Fast forward to now. Many of us, myself included, are a tad bit tired of all this. Looking to get “back to normal”, whatever that is. Looking back over the past year I see several things that happened for which I am grateful. Opportunities popped up that may not have otherwise. I started working more at my favorite store in Crystal Lake, The Running Depot; we have re-ignited the Bam (Be Amazed) running programs, too much fun! And another very fun opportunity; I’ve been invited to be a guest on a few different podcasts! Now, this is super fun! Great way to market “Running With Walt”. Actually my goal last year was to really work on marketing it as I spent most of 2019 rewriting, editing, consulting, editing again, rewriting again, getting Walt ready to publish and finally publishing! Then the book signings! Quite a happy, fulfilling year. Kind of fell off the train last year. Did you guys too? It was just so hard to be motivated, not knowing the unknown. Have you now looked back and seen things that you may not have realized at the time were blessings? More time spent with family? More time for yourself? Perhaps actually relaxing, enjoying simple things like sitting outside by the fire, watching the sun go down? Or being up early in the morning and listening for the first birds to rise? Feeling less pressure? I hope so.
My last important thought for today, and I know I am super rambling! Is I need to work on things, projects, with people that bring me happiness, joy and excitement. Life is way to short for anything else. For starters I am committed to writing regularly again and really hunkering down on enjoying what I want to do, what brings me joy.
On that note, what are you going to commit to? What brings you joy, happiness, excitement? Close your eyes, think back to last year. Let’s make this year “Your year”. I’d love to hear what you’re going to do!
I’ve added some pictures that helped remind me of the fun I had. I’ve also done a couple of podcasts done this year. You can check them out here:
Remember, there is always something good out there. You just have to find it. No one else is going to do it for you…
Omg!! I love you!!!?. Your wit and writing just are incredibly talented!! I feel like I’m right with you in it all!!! The pictures are priceless!! You are just the best, Shawn!!! Keep it coming!!!
Love ? Linda Gray ?
Oh thank you Linda! That’s the plan, to resume my writing! :)
Shawn, if anyone can get us out of the doldrums, it’s you! We all went on auto-pilot, I think – and now we all have to turn it around with a mighty effort! You really ARE the best, my friend!
I learned from some of the best possible people… you being one of them! ?
You are an inspiration! So blessed to have gotten to know you!
Tammy! Thank you! Seems like forever ago we met! I had so much fun in that class and running with Emma. Hugs to both of you!