S - from S T R E T C H

Starting the new year I have been asked about my resolutions. Well I don’t have any, I believe in continuous growth regardless of the time of the year or the month, day, location, age etc. for that matter, it is situational, a matter of willingness – timing – opportunities etc. Simply my life view – to keep going, grow and you will see, how much you have accomplished, experienced on your journey. With that said, I am still me, the one who is restless, who believes in growth accompanied sometimes with visible outcomes. Why sometimes? Biggest inner self growth is invisible, unmeasurable but it is still there and helps us all the way long.

An inspirational translation of the S – for Sport, in S T R E T C H – in the spirit of growth, I’m proud to share that today I have ran more than 1.000 km in the past 12 months. It is an outcome of a rather spontaneous self-S T R E T C H for January in the spirit of the S – Sport of my S T R E T C H method.

Why I am so profoundly proud of myself?

First, because I have not planned on this, it was not a goal that I was pressured under by myself or any external sources. Some people say, pressured by a goal? “I don’t know what that means”. Well, you are lucky and be happy about it! 😊 There are quite some of us out there, including me, who while feels inspired – intrigued – motivated and yet a tiny bit (or more) pressured by her/his own goals and ambitions from time to time.

I have decided to S T R E T C H myself as last year January I did not run at all, hence after having been out for a few runs early January I said to myself, why not to commit to this and let’s see if I can make it happen. Therefore it was a

S T R E T C H to bring myself to the next level in my running but just to the level that it feels good and gives me joy. Gives the feeling of growth and success every time I get closer to reaching my next level.

Ever since I was a kid I was doing sports, first ballet then quickly moved on to karate. That love was a long lasting one, for more than a decade, where almost every weekend was spent at competitions and almost every day with trainings.

After a while due to my hectic work and life I needed to look for a sport more flexible, something I can practice anytime – anywhere. That’s why I became my own coach and accountability partner, more or less, as I have chosen running.

Running is the new love for almost a decade. I bet my karate trainer laughs with eyes wide shut upon reading this. Back in the day I was only running when I was chased (mostly cheated it off whenever Coach did not see us 😊 ). With that said, I started off with about 5 kms in a very slow pace, ideally on a flat terrain. After years of practice and growing passion one day I just went out for a run and came home after 24 kms, and suddenly I ran my first half-marathon .

S T R E T C H is a good method for anyone. It can be good for those who miss a bit of self-motivation hence needs an external partner to help them to keep on moving. At the same time it is intended to help those who continuously have the inner thrive and rather needs help to pace their own ambition in order to keep their balance (both mental and physical).

This is my story and my moment of self-compassionate proudness in the spirit of the S – from S T R E T C H, what’s your Sport and how do you S T R E T C H it to your next level in February?

Start S T R E T C Hing yourself now!