DAY 119 - What’s Up?

It took me two months to update the “What’s Up” page of my writer’s website, www.MerrieHansen.com because of the struggle of winter depression, but as my motto declares, I want to be open about my struggles as well as my victories in "livin’ my life out loud for Jesus."

I feel bad for falling short of my goals for 2010 in my life, in writing, and in getting ready to return to the Appalachian Trail. With leaves popping out everywhere, lilacs in bloom, and my allergies high, I feel certain that spring is definitely here! I am walking more often, eating better, writing again, and putting myself back into society.

Last week, I walked or hiked 4 of 7 days, for 14½ miles over 11 hours. I carried my backpack with about 10 lbs for 8 of those miles (4½ hours). I also spent about 40 minutes one morning getting some resistance training with the treadmill, hand-weights, balance ball, and stretch tubes (or whatever they’re called). It has felt amazing. I have also been eating wiser and healthier. I have about 16 weeks to get in shape for our 60-mile trek.

As for writing, I’ve mainly been focused on getting my weekly devotionals written for the website; but began reading a very inspiring book this week called “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews. I originally picked it up at the library for research on writing short stories, but am enthralled by the context and lessons on “seven decisions that determine personal success.” (I highly recommend this book.)

I mentioned being back in society because the winter pulled me away from interacting with people. Yes, I continued to attend two different Bible studies, one with a group of women and the other a mixed group of men, women, married, divorced, and widowed, but I was not fully engaged until a couple of weeks ago. I went because I knew I needed to be with people, but dreaded the travel to and from. The women’s group stopped meeting just before Easter, while the mixed one was just getting started. The transition was odd for me,;however, I’m enjoying being in a group with my husband after many, many years.

I praise God for sustaining me through the dark, cold, dreary winter and for His Faithfulness in the return of spring sunshine and warmth. Onward I go with my face to the Son, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Philippians 3:13-14 & Hebrews 12:2

God bless you all.

DAY 102 - Back in the Race

“…Run in such a way that you may win…everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things…Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim…lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Well, it’s been 3 months since my last blog and 3 months of living in the miry bog of depression. It held me in its grips like never before as snow covered the ground surrounding our house from early-December to mid-March. Without a hint of brown grass or black dirt anywhere for over 4 months, my heart felt trapped inside our country home.

When spring finally broke through, the temperatures increased as did the hours of daylight, but gray skies and rain also came with it. All of my goals or New Year’s resolutions melted and washed away on February 20. If you read “Day 50 – Fallen” you’ll see that I found a thread to pull me upward but it wasn’t strong enough to hold me for six weeks when real sunshine and warm weather arrived. I have written very little, exercised, or kept on special projects since that last blog of February 19th.

However – after a rough weekend, I determined today to hit the restart button (again)! On a scale of 1–10, this day has been a 9.75! (I’d give it a 10 but it’s only 4:30 in the afternoon.)

The laundry is almost done; washed, dried, folded or hung up, and put away! I walked 2 miles this morning, and then went to my doctor for a follow up cholesterol check this afternoon. Since my appointment last fall I have lost 5 pounds (those I lost in January and kept off), and my cholesterol numbers were better (not quite where they should be, but better). Praise God!!

A huge key to my day’s success is that this is the first time I’ve been on the computer today. I also began with a strong mindset to stay within the boundaries of my preferred daily routine.

My brain seems to be functioning on all cylinders. My energy level continues to be running in high gear. I’m back in the race and revving to go. When the green flag dropped in front of me this morning I hit the accelerated and charged toward the finish line. (I’m writing during a brief pit stop…so, I need to get back on the track!)

I appreciate the cheers I hear from you!! I hope this encourages you to return to your New Year’s resolutions or goals and start again.