33 Comments
User's avatar
Kerry's avatar

I so needed this today.

Lisa Jakub's avatar

I'm so happy this landed for you Kerry! Big hugs to you.

Seth Arnopole's avatar

On a more serious note, the all-or-nothing mentality is a real barrier to progress, and it’s great that you’re overcoming that. The “smaller” actions are better than not doing it. I think about this a lot - one encounters it in so many places. I was recently talking with a friend whose child really resisted vegetables, but the kid was beginning to like cucumbers. Upon hearing this, the family doctor said “Oh, you might as well just be giving them water,” which was not helpful, and missed the point.

Lisa Jakub's avatar

What a perfect example! And maybe that doc needs a nutrition class.

Gary Becker's avatar

New to Substack and I'm glad to find your page. I'm jealous of your location for obvious reasons. Your words resonate. Take care of yourself up there!

Lisa Jakub's avatar

Welcome to this lovely place! Thanks for being here and for reading.

Linda Shelly's avatar

This is exactly what I needed to read right now. Thank you for being alive and sharing yourself with us. I relate so very deeply to this. We are all fucking awesome but we frequently forget. I love you and this community. 🩵

Lisa Jakub's avatar

Oh Linda, thank you so much, your kind words made my day! Thank you for being part of the reason this cummunity is so wonderful.

Seth Arnopole's avatar

I celebrate the obscurer corners of your filmography, but I don’t think I ever even heard of “Dream House.” I’m not going to seek it out, but I feel confident that there must be an illegal version of it with crudely overdubbed Russian dialogue somewhere on the internet.

Sophie's writing's avatar

I love smiling at fellow runners!

Those wings of effort and surrender are another reason why I love yoga. I have always treasured rest. I went to the gym yesterday for strength training and I really didn't want to go, but I also wanted to rest today and strengthen my body. I've got out of the habit of running lately, which I'll blame on Christmas and January blahs, but this is giving me motivation!

Lisa Jakub's avatar

It's all about that balance! Dec/Jan is a great time to lean into the rest, but it's always interesting to note when we feel that motivation returning! Thanks for being here, and for smiling at other runners! We appreciate it!

Sophie's writing's avatar

I went for a run earlier and smiled at fellow runners!

Lisa Jakub's avatar

YES! This is how we make our world just a little better. Thanks for telling me.

StephPea's avatar

I used to run a lot - even completed a full marathon once! And it was joyous but also provided a lot of time for me to be in my head... about anything. So, this blog really resonated. I absolutely agree with the smiling. I find this particular city very smiley on the paths (and we have a lot of them!)

The real question is, Lisa - have you done THOSE STAIRS along that popular running route? ;)

Lisa Jakub's avatar

That's amazing!! Yeah, running is a good time to train your attention and not let your mind wander too far off track. I have not done the stairs yet!!!

Lyle's avatar

I love it! It's so emotional to stand on the sidelines during a race and watch the runners. It great inspiration and then the feeling when you're running and approaching the finish and total strangers are genuinely cheering you on. It's great. I also moved to BC from the US about 4 years ago and I LOVE it here! I wish I could tell you all the joy and love I've experienced here. I'm in eastern BC and it's amazing. If you guys need any advice or help, give me a ring!

Lisa Jakub's avatar

Hello, neighbor! I'm so glad you're loving BC! It really is very special. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Laura Saunders's avatar

Thank you Lisa, I enjoy your writing always. Coach Bennett taught me to run at 64, I always enjoy him too 💞

Lisa Jakub's avatar

That's so impressive! Isn't he great??

Mare Wilk's avatar

Let’s start with the FUCK YEAH!

I am grateful for your other-worldly timing of your writing 💜. Perfection, people pleasing, the childhood trauma related to making “things” better (above our age pay-grade), the shame we carry, apologizing for being uniquely our selves 🥴.

I love you, dear teacher, and am grateful to be sitting in the wisdom you are sharing so authentically.

Snyper sends her fluffy love to you and the Malas from Chi-town and remains an anti-running dog unless there is a squirrel.

Protesting with a purpose 🫡

Fuck. Yeah. Friday.💜🫶🏼💜

Lisa Jakub's avatar

Thank you, Mare!! You're so sweet. I appreciate the kind words, isn't it amazing how we all carry similar shit? Big hugs to Snyper.

TravisLi's avatar

Thank you for this. It was well received.

Lisa Jakub's avatar

Thank you for reading!

Susan Jane McCulley's avatar

This is amazing. You are amazing. I miss you madly.

Lisa Jakub's avatar

And I miss you!!! Thank you so much.

Jo Walduck's avatar

Knowing you're out there smiling and finding awesomeness in a run has filled my heart and it's somehow trickling out of my eyes. Thank you. For hope, for not fucking it up, for letting 'er rip, for flashes of life. Thank you. Love you. Oh ❤️

Lisa Jakub's avatar

Love you!! Thank you for being here. You are joy.

J Alley's avatar

You might like the Run Cast by DJ John Richards. He's got music for your run plus his take on why running is vital for his mental health.

Lisa Jakub's avatar

Oooooh! Thanks for that - I'll check it out!

J Alley's avatar

KEXP is the public radio station DJ John Richards works for. I'm always trying to spread the word about all they do. Through out the year they have special themed days that cover cancer, addiction and death. Anyone can listen for free from anywhere in the world too at KEXP.org or their free app. There is literally something for everyone.

Thomas Roy Cahill's avatar

I use to enjoy reading what you write but it seems like you want to insert your politics into it all now. I like having some get-aways from that sort of stuff and you use to provide that. Sadly, I'll need unsubscribe. I wish you well.

Lisa Jakub's avatar

OK! Take care.