You've had those moments where you feel pride in doing something that you have not done in a while. But there are also those moments in life where you feel a rush of pride and energy whilst completing that activity you have not completed in a while. Sundays are like mini celebrations. I think I started celebrating by trying to complete a full day of work on Friday and Saturday and just "tying up the loose ends" on Saturday. I woke up to some great music at church, followed by sun shining through the park, some gardening and flower watering out back, a hello to the neighbors, a trip to my favorite local library and much more. But my biggest celebration was my running route across the bridge overlooking the waters and the city, running through pockets of shade along the pathway alongside other runners and bikers, back over the bridge and then towards Butler Street and up Main. 

It's been a while since completing a run without pain and the past month or so has been filled with pain free runs and a huge call for celebration. When you cannot do something for a while, you really come to appreciate life that much more. It's that "I think I can" whimsy that keeps you going back and going back and trying again and trying again. I find myself much more alert as a runner now than I ever was. I enjoy the moments where I'm completely winded. I enjoy the first mile in. I enjoy the second mile in. I enjoy all that sweat that drips down my face and sometimes stings my eyes. Because hey, every running step is a celebration of "I can do this," "life is beautiful," "Without pain I run into the sun," and nothing really seems all that bad anymore. 

Sometimes I think that is why certain things are taken away from us at times. We take life for granted. I do sometimes. I'm guilty of it. We all are. These little "I think I can moments" but things into perspective. Things are never "that bad," when you are having a little celebration of life. No struggle becomes too big after you realize it is that very struggle that makes you the happiest and the most full. If you are having that struggle, you should be thankful that you are even able to have that struggle. Don't take it for granted. Appreciate those celebrations because they might just run down the asphalt away from you. Stay alert and the next time you find yourself sweating, smile through it and think to yourself, "At least I'm sweating!" Celebrate and say "I think I can." And you can. Everyone can.