Moving Our Bodies, Clearing Our Minds - Running Along The Shore of Playa Los Genoveses

I felt so grateful to be out running by the shores the beautiful Playa de Los Genoveses this morning, that I wanted to share these pictures.  The sun reflecting in the sparkling water and still morning air was magnificent (even the slightly smell of sweaty arm pits couldn't detract from it)! Although as yet I haven't talked about it on the blog, I have struggled for several years through illness to the point where some days I couldn't even get out of bed.  But recently I have seen that it was these challenging past times which have taught me the importance of respecting and listening to my body and that when I do look after it, it can do and get to some incredible places. This morning I was truly grateful not only to have a body that allowed me to be out running in this stunning setting but also grateful for all my past because, even if unplanned, these events have led to being here in Cabo de Gata today to enjoy this morning.

Over the weekend, Dan and I took the opportunity to sit down and think about what we could offer We-Van in their 'Drive you Adventure' initiative (which closes today so if you haven't checked it out yet - do!).  We dedicated time to contemplating and planning how in the coming year we could contribute using what we have gained and learnt from our break so far, both individually and as a couple (more soon).  Although there are many things which we have learnt, one thing in particular I realised is that somewhere in my past, I developed a mindset of pushing myself (whether in work, home life or sport), not wanting to let people down or disappoint them and as a result I'd stopped listening to my own body and needs.  I'd had glandular fever earlier in my life which because I wasn't recovering enough, I was slowly damaging myself. It reached the point that some days I didn't have the energy to get out of bed any more, if I could I felt I was surviving the time away from my bed.  After our thinking and planning time over the last few days, I realised for a while I have had a deepening desire to start sharing my experiences of ME/CFS - what strategies I've been trying, where I found help, what's working etc.  I am therefore committing to starting an additional blog in the next few weeks.....so watch this space.  

It was with this in mind, that made this mornings run particularly moving for me.  Realising just how much I have learnt and just how grateful I am to be able to be here and to be able to move my body.  I am continually amazed by the places my bodies can take me, but I now know the importance looking after it!  As I read somewhere recently 'we only have one true home, so look after it!'

Breakfast....!