Dear :

Runners have a saying: "This is the mile I came to run." 

When it gets tough, you tell yourself "This is the mile I came to run." When it's lovely you say, "This is the mile I came to run." This is the mile I trained for. This is the mile I hoped for. It is always the mile you came to run. I've never been more grateful for this slogan.

I've also never been more grateful for mental health and wellness tools, especially movement, meditation, and writing practice. Some of you are nodding. Where would we be without these tools?

Many of us are scared and some are lonely, but when others seem lost, we are (mostly) not. We have a toolkit to open. We can pick up a practice and put it to use.

What tool are you using most now? What is helping you walk through these days?

Wellness Tip

Now more than ever, chunk it down. Set goals so tiny you can't fail.

Having trouble getting in a walk? Stroll around the living room 10 times and call it a win. Can't get the pen to the paper? Set that timer for 10 minutes and go. No stopping. Not ready (willing or able) to create a formal mediation practice? As you prep for your next zoom call, feel your butt in the seat of your chair.

Let what you do be enough. We're swimming in trauma. Please don't add a layer of shame.

Meditation Reset:

If you are interested in starting (or restarting) a meditation practice, check out the Sage Institute Meditation Reset. It's free for front-line workers and on a very reasonable sliding scale for everyone else. Even though it says it's already begun, registration is open through February 3rd.

Breakfast on Twitter:

Every morning on Twitter, I ask people what they have for breakfast. People reply, post photos, and I comment and retweet. It's more than just an ice breaker. It's a safe spot in the midst of crazy times. Plus, you can learn a lot about someone by noticing what they eat and what they say about it. 

Because of my fascination with breakfast, I enjoyed Chuck Wendig's post about his kid and breakfast. You can learn a lot about someone by noticing how they treat their kid who suddenly doesn't like eggs. Plus, recipes!
 
For the Writers

When I was looking for something to offer the writers (you central Ohio writers are already subscribed to Write Now Columbus, right?) Writer's Digest came through with their 20 Most Popular Writing posts of 2020. I love a good list.

For the Runners

I hired a running coach.

Marathoner in Training, our local club does a great job with plans, information, and resources. But I wanted specific instruction, something one-on-one.

I've been listening to Denny Krahe's Diz Run's podcast for several years. I'm also in his Diz Runs Tribe Facebook group. I enjoy his philosophy (train slow, race fast) and his great sense of humor.

Plus, he's had me speak on his podcast, not just once, but TWICE! It's worth a listen. He has lots of great guests (in addition to me!)

I would have hired him anyway, but thanks Denny!

Wellness Books

Last year I began interviewing authors on my blog. Their books range from goal setting to eco-mindfulness to memoirs to novels. But they all have a "wellness" spin. Check out the full list of their books here. I'll continue to add books to this list as I interview more authors.

Keep Those Reviews coming!

Thanks again to everyone who has left a positive review for Depression Hates a Moving Target and You Should Be Writing. I'm so grateful. If you enjoyed either book and haven't had a chance to, please leave a review. Even one sentence means so much. To those of you who already have, I can't thank you enough!

Events & Classes

Everything is (still) online for the foreseeable future so no matter where you live, you can join me for a class or event:

2/10/21 at 4pm ET: OMTimes Radio with Melisa Caprio

2/22/21 at 6:30pm ET: Mindful Writing - registration required

3/8/21 at 6:30pm ET: Blogging for Authors - registration required

3/11/21 at noon ET: CLE on Meditation - registration required

3/12/21 (Noon PT/ 3pm ET): WNBA-SF Panel "Where Do you Get Your Ideas?" - Save the Date

4/13/21 (11am PT/2pm ET): A Daily Dose of Now - Meditation - Save the Date

Please Take Care

If I can help in some way, please let me know. Email is always the best way to reach me.

Take care. Be well.