Stop. Then Start.

I had begun some healthy eating practices. I was diligent and felt great. And then, I stopped.

I started working out 3 times a week, then 4, then running too. And then, I stopped.

I started my day with quiet contemplation and prayer. And then, I stopped.

I had developed a habit of writing, putting words to screen, crafting them with purpose. And then…I stopped.

Good habits are hard to keep up with. I haven’t abandoned these things. I’m finding new rhythms for some of them. Finding a new normal takes time. There’s always the tyranny of the urgent and teaching third graders, this rings especially true this year. But there’s also the tyranny of mental health which, if I’m honest, has been my greatest struggle. And of course, there’s also just…tyranny.

I thought about what I ate today and recognized how I’m feeling.

I went for a run today. I wasn’t fast and my hands got cold. But I did it!

I received and responded to an old friends message and was real about where I am today.

I crafted words to screen. I started.