I went running today. Finally! It’s been a few weeks with the really cold weather we’ve been having. But 22 degrees today felt like 40. And I’ve lost my tolerance for cold weather so you can believe me it felt warm. I went for a run on a course I’ve run before but the last time was when I was training for the marathon. I’ve lost quite a bit of my marathon running fitness since October, but as I ran today on the all-too-familiar path ( it was part of my long runs) I thought back to just a few months ago when I was in great running form. I tried to connect to how it felt and even more importantly ( to me ) how great it felt to be running in warm weather. I let the feeling I love of being committed to a goal, committed to training and on a path to achieving something I wanted in my life wash over me like a wave. And after a few miles, I felt great.

All too often we beat ourselves up for things we did in our past. They say those that forget the past are condemed to repeat it but what about those that forget the good of their past? It’s so easy to focus on the “bad” or those things we wished we did differently. But instead of trying to change what you can’t ( it’s over and done) why not let the things you did in the past where you were inspired, committed, dedicated, healthy, loving, open, intelligent and at peace be what drives you?

The dark days of winter are tough times for people like me that love the summer. I can easily fall into a bad mood in the winter and it only has to do with the weather. So these days more than ever, I find myself thinking of warmer days and the great feelings of being on the beach, running in the sun, walking the dog outside and lingering on a bench in front of our favorite coffeehouse. I let those thoughts keep me warm as I’m shoveling or huddling in the wind.

Use your good memories and feelings to banish the bad. You have such a wealth of them and if you don’t, well, there’s always time to create some.

Be well.