Today’s Happy Note: Springtime. Easter weekend. Hardly any homework. Walks in the park. What more could I ask for?
Mental Health: I had lots to do today, but it was mostly fun stuff; it was like one big day of playing. I thought that having such a long day planned would exhaust me and sad Caronae would emerge, but that didn’t happen! Everything seemed to fit together perfectly; I felt happy, healthy, confident, and lovely. This was really monumental for me. There was no anxiety or melancholy present — I just went about, doing my business. Talking with friends and coworkers, playing in the park, not being afraid or unhappy to just be me. It’s days like this that remind me how far I have come. A year ago, I would have been overwhelmed, confused, anxious, and depressed about a day like today. I might not have had the energy or confidence to get out there and get things done. I certainly would have felt uncomfortable in my cute new sundress. But today was different; I still have many underlying emotional issues, but it’s learning how to manage them that has changed everything. It’s such a new world out there now, and I am having a delightful time discovering it!
Exercise: HIIT and strength training! Nothing like a 7:30 am speedy session on the elliptical to wake you up! I love how challenging thirty minutes of tough intervals can be; I definitely think I was in a cardio rut before discovering it. Now I’m having tons of fun doing stuff besides just running! I also did a lot of abs and arms too. No leg strength until after the ultramarathon next weekend though; my legs don’t need to be any more fatigued than they already are.
I also walked at least four miles today; this probably would have been sufficient exercise in itself, but I hadn’t planned on it, and this city just has so much that has to be seen on your feet!
Beautiful day in the park my friends. Please spend time outside this weekend! You will enjoy every minute of it, I promise. 🙂
Today I felt freeeeeeeee! Like my food didn’t matter; I wasn’t angry at my body or my perceived failures, I didn’t feel like I needed to run 10 miles or else I’d be fat, I didn’t feel like I had to go to a party, I didn’t feel lonely or guilty or unsure or blue or anything like that. I did feel enthralled, curious, beautiful, strong, graceful, unique, joyful, and worthy. A good day!
I don’t want to dump twelve thousand pictures on you so no foods today. I’ll recap some highlights though…
~Sweet eggs! Egg puff/sliced banana souflee. Totally nom-able! Next time I’m adding maple syrup and cinnamon.
~Grilled cheese and veggie soup. Why haven’t I had grilled cheese in forever? Oh yeah, because I was afraid of bread. No longer, my friends. No. Longer.
~Dinner oatmeal with chocolate covered pretzels. I went there.
~A grapefruit the size of my head.
I have a little surprise to tell you about tomorrow! I guess I’m just full of surprises. I actually hate them myself, but I don’t mind making other people wait in suspense. *Evil grin*.
Have a fabulous weekend; do something fun for yourself!
Run. Write. Therapy. Life. 
Apr 02, 2010 @ 22:47:38
great post, i can feel the freedom in your words! and i love the great pics, so awesome!
new blender,……woo hooo, that rocks!!!!!
Apr 02, 2010 @ 23:15:17
Aww yay! Sounds like a great day. I love eating grapefruits the size of my head. They are my favorite snack of the moment. I’m going to be seriously depressed when they go out of season.
I’m so proud of you for dong well mentally, physically, and emotionally today! I feel like you were really intuitive about everything you did…good job. And carbs are good! Always remember that.
Apr 03, 2010 @ 09:21:43
OMG I will die when citrus fruit is out of season. The only thing that can make up for it is berries and peaches from the farmer’s market. Those are pretty good too!
Apr 03, 2010 @ 01:53:22
This post made me smile Caronae. You have such a lovely sunny spirit in you 🙂
Sarah x
Apr 03, 2010 @ 09:21:03
aww thanks Sarah! You do too 🙂
Apr 03, 2010 @ 03:51:56
ive never tried chocolate covered pretzels .. i wana now 😀 xx
Apr 03, 2010 @ 11:26:34
Something about this weather really just makes the world a better place, doesn’t it? Glad you had a great day…chocolate pretzels in oats? Sounds fabulous 🙂
Apr 03, 2010 @ 15:13:38
Caronae, just came across your blog. I really love it! You are a great writer and it’s refreshing to read about how you maintain a healthy balance in your life. I’m a college student too and it’s cool to read a blog by someone my own age. I’m curious as to how you got into running and yoga — I have always wanted to do both, but it’s hard to know where to begin. Can’t wait to read more from you!
Apr 03, 2010 @ 19:08:57
Hey Maggie! Thanks for stopping by! I actually have several friends named maggie so at first I wasn’t sure who you were! But I’m glad you’re here.
Healthy living in college can be sooooo hard indeed. Here are my tips:
~plan ahead: get groceries every week or two and buy plenty of fresh produce. Wash and cut it up sunday night and find some fun, healthy recipes you would like to try. Get familiar with your kitchen AND with the healthier parts of the dining hall.
~your school probably has a gym and you might get a free membership.
~stay on a good schedule. I like to get up between 7-8, get the blood flowing and just move a bit! Then I go through my day feeling energized and accomplished! Don’t get too bed too late most nights.
I started running in middle school but stopped at the end of HS to focus on swimming. At college, running has just been easier. The easiest way to start is to just go! Your first time you might only run five minutes; maybe next week a mile. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying it. Head to local parks or lakes or rivers where it’s more scenic, if possible. You can alternate running and walking too; I like to think of my runs as adventures and explorations!
I got into yoga because I was sore/tight a lot and wanted to try some non-cardio exercise. I did it on my own for several months using yogadownload.com classes and yogaisyummy.net classes. I worked my way up to longer classes and then got up the nerve to go to a studio! It has been awesome ever since; with yoga, you have to be persistent. You won’t be able to do lots of poses the first few times, but it’s so fun you won’t care. Try to focus on yourself and how great your body is! Oh, and get a mat too!
Exercise, healthy eating, and taking care of your body are not just important but FUN! I find that I’m a better student and happier person when I take care of me 🙂
Hope this helps!
Apr 03, 2010 @ 15:54:14
I love HIIT too! There’s nothing like it and eventhough I feel so dead during I always feel so energized afterward.