A Week in the Life #8

I’m sitting in an airport waiting to fly out with my mom to celebrate our birth month with a trip. My birthday was yesterday and it was one of the most low-key celebrations I’d ever had, but also one of my favorites; in its mundanity I was still so very happy.

I guess that’s the theme this year; it’s to be happy and fulfilled in my own skin even without the giant projects I’d set my eyes on in recent history. It’s to find purpose and meaning even in the small day-to-day tasks that make up my job, and engage more fully with the people in my life.

binge the day before my birthday

recent headshot taken by my darling sister

my actual birthday was spent taking care of my nephew, then off to a short gym jaunt before getting a pedicure

Last week news broke that a full IRONMAN would be held here in the Philippines next year. Even though I wrote about it, I think I’m the only one who openly admitted I wasn’t planning on doing it, nor did I fear missing out on something so history-making. Although I do miss racing (finish lines are my favorite), this year I’ve allowed myself the time that my body has been asking for just to enjoy exercise again without red-lining all the time. Even if it is my last year in this age group and I know that when I return to racing the competitors will be fiercer, it is nice to take my foot off the pedal.

Besides, my body will make me take my foot off the pedal if I don’t do it myself. Last week I found myself enjoying working out so much that I ended up doing some back-to-back sessions — which would have been fine for pre-overtraining Noelle, but for current Noelle it was just too much. My resting heart rate spiked six beats higher over the course of five days and I started sneezing for no reason, which I know is a sign I’ve got a cold coming on. I also experienced a sudden energy drop on Saturday, which almost put me off attending an invitation-only fashion talk with the lovely and inspirational Nika Diwa.

I really wanted to stay home in my sweats…

…but I’m glad I got dressed to hear Nika speak about empowerment through fashion.

We like to think we remain the same person, but as my changing wardrobe, health, and body have shown me through the years, change is a part of life and what we’re capable of at this point in time may not be the same as in a past or future point. But it’s no use moaning about what I’m no longer able to do. Instead, I’m determined to inhabit who I am and appreciate what and who God has provided me. There are no accidents and I know I am right where I need to be right now.

Where I am is a pretty good place to be.