Optimism

MSN Health & Fitness displays an article by Marguerite Lamb called Act Like an Optimist, Improve Your Health. It's interesting in that it makes the (correct, I believe) distinction between optimism and happiness.

It also offers ways you can "train" optimism into your life: goal settng, persistence. etc. A useful and thoughtful article, check it out!

Ways I stay optimistic include: working out, appreciating what I have, laughing (finding something to laugh about), and sometimes just looking out the window at the scenery.

Friendship

Today I celebrated National Trails Day by running on trails with friends. Here is a list of things I appreciate about today:

• The wonderful weather we had.


• The unique event we participated in (the 'Train'ing Run).


• The health of my body.


• The company of friends.


• The raising of funds for a good cause. We raised over $1500 for cancer research!


• The sense of humor my friends possess (and the fact that they put up with mine ).


• Seeing friends I hadn't seen since last years event.


• The level of fitness of the participants - some ran 34 miles, some 68. That is NOT a type.

National Trails Day

Tomorrow is National Trails Day. The running club I belong to, RVRR, celebrates with a unique event called the 'Train'ing run. It's a time for us to give back. To show how much we appreciate the trail(s) we run on as a group and as individuals, and while we're at it we raise funds to cure cancer. Mostly, we just appreciate who we are and the tremendous gifts we've been given.

Check out the RVRR site for information and, if you're in Central NJ tomorrow come join us. Meet some great people, eat some BBQ and raise money for cancer research!

Appreciation

This morning I decided to list all the things I appreciate about myself and the area I live in. For instance:

• I love that we experience all four seasons (I live in the Northeast U.S.).


• My town has such variety, from Starbucks to horse farms.


• etc.

Whenever I undertake an exercise like this it always brightens my mood. Try it out for yourself!