Laid on the floor, in a puddle, at the side of the road, trying to keep hold of the dog who was still going at speed towards a stream of traffic before being scooped up off the floor by a passing taxi driver in front of half of Whitby going to Sainbury’s for their Christmas food shop - I knew then I think that my 2022 running adventures were over.
Any form of pride was anyway.
Haven’t put a running trainer on since that morning where I tripped over a kerb, my shoe lace, fresh air - I don't really know which one it was.
Then I got that cold and chest infection that seems to have floored half of the people you speak to.
Haven’t set foot in the gym since Christmas Eve.
This is quite unheard of for me and (combined with Christmas chocolate overload) is sending me a little stir-crazy.
So when it comes to New Year and resolutions and lifestyle overhauls, I have normally not really gone in for it.
But for 2023 I am fully on board.
I can’t run and I will get kicked out of the gym for being a health hazard rather than a health fix until the rib cage rattling coughing passes.
It has made me look at other aspects of my life though and I got to thinking about how little things can be just as important and good for the soul as well as entering marathons and making any grand gestures.
For a long time I know I have been stressed with house moves, new and busy jobs, old and poorly pets, new and lively ones too.
Eventually that and just life in general can seem to get away from you and so if you’ve been feeling like something is off but you can’t quite put your finger on it - I am with you.
Oh, the ‘2022 has been wonderful’ Instagram posts don’t help either do they? If you haven’t told anyone every little thing you have been up to, did you even do it?
But it does seem a good a time as any to make a few changes to yourself and your lifestyle, park anything you didn’t like about 2022 and for me, I think I am trying to ‘take back control’.
Health and wellbeing is different for everyone and in different measures so don’t be too consumed by what other people are doing - unless you fancy giving it a crack yourself of course, then go for it.
Think about what you like, what makes you happy, what is your thing and your peaceful escape from reality for a little bit.
I want to read more books, refurbish my house, spend less time scrolling and more time learning (language and documentaries for me) and much more time outside taking in what is on our doorstep - the sea and the moors are two of the best tonics around.
For anyone, the new year, new you doesn’t have to be anything drastic but just a few things to enrich your life every day.
I reckon this (and that speedy little dog) will keep me busy until I am fixed and I can get the trainers dirty again.

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