Friday, I'm in love.

This is why Twitter rocks. I have made some awesome friends through 12WBT and Twitter has helped me stay in contact, connect and watch their lives change. Just the other week Kath (@justmekath)posted a great challenge and had us all blog about "finding the joy" - not only did I LOVE this post, but I really loved reading everyone else's lists of what made them happy, what added a spark to their life, what moments made them feel amazing.

I can't remember how it all started, but suddenly the gorgeous Em (@EmmyLou12wbt) and I had made a deal that we were going to do this ALL THE TIME. This was a great thing to do. Take one day a week out and just remember all the good stuff that happened that week. Embrace it.

So here I am.

Things that have made me happy this week;

Sunrises, sun sets, the warmth, the weather being warm enough to really enjoy the shade, making some huge decisions, that really amazing pump class organised by Rell and Lisa - um how cool was that? Having sore muscles all week, my friends, the gorgeous people I have met over the last 6 months - how can I have not met such amazing people before now!? Wanting to run, knowing I can, Beachfield, and like Emmy I also loved Tuesday morning's fog - wish I took a photo! Merri Creek doesn't sound too inspiring but gosh it was pretty that morning. Really putting the UMPH into the last 500 metres of a run. Seeing hot air balloons at dawn - I don't know why, but it makes me infinitely happy, and I'm grateful for it. And how quiet it is in the early hours. Feeling comfortable when I am alone. That's a big thing for me.

Blogging Challenge 5: All Kinds of Awesome

I have to say, shouting out that I'm "all kinds of awesome" are just not words I would use to describe myself! I think it's my inner editor saying "Erm, how many kinds of awesome are there, exactly?" but that's not what this challenge is about. I can say one thing, the things I have done this year, the things I can do and the things I will do, make me just that. Awesome!

One of the most awesome things I've done is become a woman of my word. Everything I have said I would do this year, I have done! And all those things I want to get done before the year is through? Pfft, no problem! Consider it done!

Tomorrow I'm going to start publishing a blog about "Things that make happy" per week. Last weeks challenge "Finding the Joy" is the inspiration for this. I don't think we spend enough time reflecting on the simple things that make life enjoyable.

Blogging Challenge 4

1. Describe in 25 words or less (why is it always 25 words) the you that you were before 12wbt:

Well. I was erratic, and trapped in a cycle of bad habits. I wasn't in control and that stressed me out.

2. Now - who are you now??

I am still me! I'm just a better version of me. A healthy me. A happy me.

3. What has the hardest been the hardest thing to make habit THIS ROUND?

The hardest thing to make a habit this round is getting used to this new body, and to continue to treat it well! This round has been tough for me, because I have not been here before.

4. What has been easier to make habit than you thought it would be?

Early morning training. 6 months ago I was all "look there is no way I'll be getting up before 7am to train, so let's not even go there!" but now I'm all over getting up, getting my training done and then getting on with the day. It makes you feel strong. And there is nothing quite as cool as running in the morning, watching the sun rise and the world wake up.

5. How has your body changed THIS ROUND?

Someone said my arms had muscle definition yesterday - yes, I kind of loled at the time, but I'm excited about toning up!

6. How has your mindset changed this round?

Oooh, this is a tough one - I mentioned it in question 3 - this round my mindset has shifted. I don't think losing weight matters to me anymore, even though I still have a fair few kilos to lose. My priorities have changed and so has my mindset. I don't care about the number on the scales at the moment. I just want to be fit and strong and I want to see what my body can do.

7. Finish this sentence "I now know I am strong because ..."

I know what I have achieved and what I can achieve in the future. With that self belief comes strength.

8. Finish this sentence "I am proudest of ...."

Everything! I have worked hard! I am proud that I was a person of my word, and I did what I set out to do.

9. Finish this sentence "In 8 more weeks you will see me ...."

Run 15kms! #goteam15kms!

10. What word applies to you now - that you never would have used before 12wbt?

A runner. Fit. Strong. Able. In control. Happy.

Blogging Challenge Week 3 - Find the Joy.

Ok, so the lovely Kath from The Courage to Start says this week, we need to find our joy. The things we can turn to when life is getting us down, and suddenly feel better.

Some people have explained in detail why these things bring them joy, but for me, when I go through this list, some of it I can't explain. And I'm not going to question it, just embrace it and take it as a gift.

Sunrises, music, shiny shoes, running in the early hours and seeing hot air balloons in the sky, Twitter family, watching people grow, my friends, my husband, my cat's little mrrrrpa noise she makes, daylight savings, seeing what I can do, making plans, setting goals, film, animals, the beach, the children's farm, watching stupid television, eating breakfast in the sun, good coffee, good wine, art, gorgeous clothing, Foggy (RIP), endorphins, living in Melbourne, Melbourne weather, the sun, stormy weather, knowing there are things in the world that look like this: