Every so often, life gives you that quiet nudge. Not a shove. Not a sprint. Just a whisper: “Hey…what is up next for you?”

We all have moments of reflection. Mine: They started to come after the kids moved out. After each exercise consecutive streak has started again. After a great run…or a small injury. After a long week of work. After a fulfilling weekend with the grandkids. Suddenly, you are then asking: What does the next chapter look like? What do I want it to look like? What kind of pace do I want to run it now?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about rhythm–in running, work, and in life. Sometimes you’re in marathon mode. Other times, it’s ok to run a strong 5K (as long as you don’t hurt your foot!), then walk the cool-down. The important thing is: you keep moving forward, with purpose and perspective.

What’s next? It’s a fair question.

Maybe it’s more time with the grandkids. Maybe it’s more races. More hikes. More clinic time, less administration. More time building that garage gym life. More storytelling, more writing, more photos–not just for a blog, but for legacy. More noticing. More being. Whatever it is, I know this much: It will take a few more coffees to think, and of course, peanut M & M’s.

The future does not have to be defined by a job title, a finish line, or even a calendar. It can be defined by passion, by presence, and by the people you share it with. I am going through moments of reflection. What does the next mile hold in store for me?

You don’t have to make a big change to honor your future–sometimes, it starts with one morning. One moment. One mile. What’s one small thing you’ve been wanting to make more room for? You can focus on this next picture to help make you dream…

Sit back with your moments of reflection. One step at a time. Again, what’s one small thing you’ve been wanting to make more room for?

Keep moving everybody!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day of Newest Streak: # 620