Doing hard things - the art of getting 'unstuck'.

'These things will be hard but you can do hard things' - Glennon Doyle Melton

These long, hot Summer days have been a blessing to any outdoor-loving soul. Endless opportunities to walk, a slower pace of life when it is just too hot to move fast and longer days of space and opportunities. It has been bliss and just what I've needed! I've felt a bit stuck recently - the 'new' of my change of working has become routine and I've been ready for a challenge but needed the headspace to do it. This Summer gave me the chance to do it; some of the 'harder stuff' I had been putting off for a long time.

A return to running - definitely 'harder stuff'

I've been thinking about returning to running for a long time - definitely months if not over a few years. Before my lung was removed, almost 10 years ago, I ran regularly, including half marathons and the odd marathon. When I had my lung removed, things were obviously not quite the same. I did the Great North Run in the year following but it was tough and the memory of my previous running made me fall out of love with running. I didn't lace up my trainers again.

After I had my lung removed, I did continue to walk - a couple of thousand miles a year. However, running has not been part of my life. Roll on almost ten years, climbing big hills has become much more of a challenge. Pondering this problem, I downloaded the Couch to 5K app and decided to give it a go with the hope of improving my hill climbing capabilities. I'll never climb like a mountain goat but feeling more in control of my lung-busting breathing is definitely a possibility.

It has been tough - very tough at times - but I graduated and am now able to plod along, sometimes happily, for about 40 mins. I'm slow and it is nowhere near the pace of previous running. However, I'm loving it and it has helped with climbing big hills - the aim of the game! I no longer feel stuck - it has really helped just to change this one thing. When times are tough, I've been reminded that I have it in my abilities to do hard things and they are worth it.

TRE® and creating space for hard things

During the Summer, I have also enjoyed connecting with my TRE® practice on a deeper level. This year, I have embarked on my TRE® Mentor training with the TRE College and will be spending time supporting new practitioners to gain certification over the next year. This has been extremely rewarding as it blends my love of TRE®, supporting others and education; as well as allowing me to refresh my knowledge and practice around TRE®. The group is lovely and it has been a privilege to work with them and Lilu and Steve.

Exploring my own practice, my offer to clients and the theoretical framework for TRE® has been great, particularly around nervous system regulation.

Taking forward freedom into Autumn

So, where does this leave me as we head into September? I love this time of year. It has more of a sense of new year than January for me and I feel much less stuck and able to make decisions, some of them have been really difficult, about next steps. I'm definitely taking running with me - I'm a bit creaky but I feel fabulous. I'm also taking with me the space created by TRE®, especially as I await some medical results - always nerve-wracking.

I love the slowness and body connection I get from TRE®. The shaking allows me to connect to my body, space and calms my nervous system so I can make decisions, ponder issues and find some ease in addressing problems. The autonomy I have over my practice, I don't need to find a professional to support me to do a TRE® session is powerful, as is its playful nature. If you fancy exploring TRE®, please get in touch. I'd love to introduce you, or support you further, in your practice. Kate ❤️ (email: kate@trewithkate.co.uk)