Weeds or Wishes

The dandelion does not stop growing because some people think they’re pointless and bothersome.

Each day the world seems to become more lost in challenges, comparisons, corrupt practices, and societal stigmas. These leave us feeling broken… defeated… empty and lost.

Goals are wonderful. Hard work and perseverance, necessary… but so is keeping the simple magic and wonder of life alive.

We set ourselves up to fail. We listen to people who are not even qualified to dictate or implant an idea of what we must accomplish for mental toughness, or weight loss, or self healing.

We then wonder why if we missed a workout, took a bite of cake, or did not see results overnight, these things made us feel even worse. Right?

Your blueprint is unique. Your dreams…your wants… your desires are meant for you.

Routines are good, but so is spontaneity. Good habits are fantastic, but so is balance.

Stop the pre-recorded message in your head that says you messed up today so your efforts are meaningless.

Peace, joy, comfort, happiness, contentment, steadfast acceptance of yourself comes from your Creator and your willingness to believe in better days and better outcomes… otherwise known as Hope.

You may see a weed… I see a wish. Make one.

~ from the diary of what running and life have taught me ~


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Contentment.

This morning’s run was hot and steamy. Air quality alert… 95 percent humidity. Fog densely covering the familiar greenery.

Yet it was one of those mornings where you feel connected and contented.

Passing the local farmer walking with his grandchildren, the friendly waves of my neighbors who see me out here daily, and familiar curvatures of my back roads… all give me a sense of belonging.

I hear the humming sound of the tractors… hear the sounds of nature and I can’t help but feel happy.

Today is a hot, cloudy, murky day… but even still… what a gift ❤

Sunflower.

Most of us will wake up today with a burden we have been carrying around full of heaviness.

These little pieces of anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, unworthiness, self-loathing, self- criticism, and negativity move in unannounced and work tirelessly to set us up for failure.

I am reminded today of the lesson a sunflower 🌻 teaches… they are made to grow roots deep and wide, to survive strong winds, and always put their face to the light.

Today I am choosing to put my face to the sun, ground my feet, and be truly grateful for the strength I am “growing.”

Be a sunflower today 👊🏻.

The Little Things.

The sun is out for the first time in what feels like an eternity. Although the air feels cold, the sky above mixes hints of lighter and deeper blues.

Today I am appreciating the little things. These are things I am so very guilty of taking for granted daily. The sun hitting my face today feels like a gift. Being free and able to move my body and breathe clean air into my lungs is a gift. Being in a body that fights for us, heals… and forgives is a gift.

Feeling the “real feels” of all aspects of life is sometimes exhausting, and without a doubt a “not so subtle” reminder that we are not in charge, not guaranteed, not entitled, but beyond privileged in our being. 

How we choose to respond… how we negotiate, and our perspective, will absolutely enhance or derail our progress.

The corners of my mouth will stay upward today. Today is a good day.

Writing as Self Therapy – Self Guided Journaling Challenges Coming Soon

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Thankful Thursday

With the season of Thanksgiving approaching, I know our minds are busy with all the upcoming festivities that it brings.

We make lists, plan our meals, and dust off the “good dishes” for their once a year place setting, and we rush through the craziness.

Today I challenge you to slow down, and think about one thing you are thankful for.

If it’s a person, call them and tell them.

If it’s a place that keeps your heart alive, and your soul happy… take your mind or your physical self there. Simply relish how this place settles all the madness in you.

Thankfulness can be hard if we let unkempt thoughts, the manipulative actions of others, and leftover pain or grief stay simmering on the back burner.

Today I am thankful for the gift of my words; and how, to me personally, it is a God-given gift bestowed on me.

I’m thankful to carefully place the words of my head to your hearts for healing, with a desire to change the world.

“The best time to be thankful… is always”

I would love for you to leave a comment about what you are thankful for today.

#RUNBEFOREYOUFLY

#thankfulthursday

Follow along as Suzanne Swanson takes us through her transformation from addiction to athlete. Find support and healing in your own life! We’re sending Suzanne’s blog updates via email along with a daily dose of motivation. Don’t miss the next post… delivered straight to your inbox.

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The Climb.

Today I laced up shoes… but instead of running sneakers, they were trail sneakers.

I faced unbelievable fear today during my climb to the highest peak in Vermont at 4,393 feet above sea level — Mount Mansfield. This climb was straight up the mountain, had a rock chasm, and challenged every athletic bone in my body.

At the Summit I cried tears of joy, and gratitude, and was in pure awe at the view I saw. Visibility was 100 miles and not a cloud In the sky. I thanked my body for its resilience, and healing.

I gave thanks for my health and the miraculous gifts my body gives to me. I prayed for all the things that have been weighing heavy, and sat with a complete easiness of how I am choosing my serve my being.

This was a day I’ll never forget…

“Ain’t about how fast I get there… Ain’t about waiting on the other side… it’s the climb.”

#imadeit #climbthemountain

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Sunday Blessings.

Sundays for me represent my meaning of life. The quiet of the morning, the first sip of coffee, the alone time on the couch to really sit and think.

We see people’s lives on social media and we scroll. We ask, “Why can’t we have what they have?” “Why is she lucky?” “Why is he so successful?”

The truth is no one is without injury or suffering. Everyone has their deepest hurts, regrets, and shortcomings buried deep in their own pillows and closets of life.

It’s easy to get down in this current world situation. Society is a mess… full of racism, bigotry, hate, rebellion, censorship, riots, unpatriotic behaviors and the list goes on… we must align our actions to be as good as our intentions.

Today, I get to flip blueberry pancakes in a little farmhouse that I love. I get to run on roads whose school bus drove my kids to school. I woke up on a lumpy mattress that I wouldn’t change for the world, and share my coffee with someone who is a steady hand of kindness and goodness.

I don’t have a yacht, I don’t have a big bank account, and I don’t care… because what I do have is worth more than any zero on a check.

My life is messy, my brain is a chaotic mess half the time, but I am happy… I don’t need more or better. I don’t need fake or unrealistic.

God gives me just what I need… Every. Single. Day. Reflect on what your blessings are today… that is all.

#sunday #blessings #smilemore

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Thank you for supporting my writing endeavor at RunBeforeyouFly.com. I’m Suzanne Swanson and I’d love for us to keep in touch!

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Where I’ve Been.

Timely Tuesday…

Back from a well rested time at the beach. With so much going on in this crazy world, how wonderful it felt to “almost feel normal” again.

Nostalgia flooded my mind all throughout the week as the smell of Coppertone, French fries, seagulls, and kids laughing brought me to a happy place of memories as a child growing up with beach vacations.

I realize as I get older earthly material things mean less and less to me… and the time spent with my family and good friends is priceless. Life is truly flying by quickly, and now more than ever the present moment is where I must try like hell to allow myself to stay in.

I also became more aware that I am typically very hard on myself, but also that I am uniquely me… that what I do matters, and that where I have been and where I am going tell my tale of just what I am made of.

Today I woke up in my little hometown, back on my country roads, with my familiar surroundings, and a renewed sense of why I do what I do.

I know where I have been, I know where I am going… 💜

“The cure for anything is truly salt water” ~

Happy Place.

Once a year, the countdown on my calendar begins. I mark my beach vacation in a special color. I wait with anticipation to get to this place. A place of sweet summer smells, crashing waves, and miles of sand to toss my cares to.

The sea for me is cathartic. It amazes me. It’s gentle and sweet one minute, strong and powerful the next. It’s a place where I release all my worries. Reflect on where I have been, and pray for better days ahead.

This morning as I was running on the boardwalk, I watched the people. I see each of their faces. Some are young, some are battered, some are aged with wrinkles, some are sun-soaked, some smiling with excitement, some are deeply troubled with sadness.

I think about where they may have been in life, what their story is. Why has their journey led them to this place on this day?

I will be using this time to spend with my family, to stay off social media… as I do find that once in a while, I need to rest my mind from all of the world.

Disconnect back into myself, journal, work on my writing… and truly return to the days when being at the beach was a time worth waiting for.

Take time for yourself today. Hit the reset button, disconnect from everyone else’s crap, and focus on what is right in front of you.

Life is short… the beach is timeless, and a period of restructuring ourselves and quieting all outside noise is a must for continued spiritual growth.

Get up and get after life today. 💙. Amen.

#hopedealer #shuttingdownmymind

Follow along as Suzanne Swanson takes us through her transformation from addiction to athlete. Find support and healing in your own life! We’re sending Suzanne’s blog updates via email along with a daily dose of motivation. Don’t miss the next post… delivered straight to your inbox.

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Instant Joyful Human

Instant Joyful Human: 💙
Directions: Lace one pair of comfortable running sneakers.

Place favorite junk headband, and turn music UP!

Breathe. Grab favorite hydration beverage… smile and GO 💜.

Results may vary by location, and how much you move your ass. Some restrictions may apply. No money back guarantee.

Warning ⚠️… the runner you see pictured is actually a runner and full of joy. Smiling is contagious. DO try this at home!