The Higher Edge

I am working hard on getting back into running shape, so I went out this morning, turned on my Ipod and pushed myself to run in my neighborhood today. It was an amazing morning to run. A nice cool breeze and blue skies made the perfect setting. In the middle of my workout, one of my favorite songs from Creed (Higher) started playing. I couldn't control myself. I know I looked crazy, air guitaring and lifting my arms over my head in response to Mark Tremonti's driving guitar solo. I was lost in the moment.

I also found myself singing (quite loudly- I couldn't hear myself with my ear plugs in) the words from the song I was connecting with at that moment:

"Up high I feel like I'm alive for the very first time

Set up high I'm strong enough to take these dreams

And make them mine "

I can imagine that you are reading this and feeling somewhat embarrassed for me. That's ok. It didn't last that long. Just long enough for this young teenage girl on a riding mower to stare at me disapprovingly and jar me back to reality.

I had to laugh out loud when I realized what a total goober I must have looked like to her. She had her tunes going to, so she has to have some idea of where I was coming from.

Today in particular, I do feel like I am alive for the first time. I have had several days off from teaching and have been working diligently to revamp my diet with more veggies and fruit. I have decided to stop drinking sodas (diet) and I have dropped bread for awhile. ( I say awhile, 'cause I really don't know how long that can last. I love bread! )

As a result, the past few days, I have felt amazingly clear headed and energized.

I also have adopted the attitude that life is just this big obstacle course where we have to avoid some things in order to reach the goals most important to us as well as form alliances with others who share the same passions. I have several goals I want to achieve. One of which is getting back into shape. There is no turning back on this one. Another goal is to push my limits of creativity. I am feeling so creative lately. I can't wait to see where that leads.

Luckily, my desire to learn more about the art of photography has lead me to find friends who share the same passion for it as I do! I think I will spend my next few blogs, seeking out those friends who are looking for ways to release their creative energy and highlight them in my blogs. It would be great to pay honor to those who not only inspire us, but lift us "Higher" by sharing their talents with those around them.

I can't wait to get started!

Jill