Back to Blog

Choosing Joy

By 
Heather Stephens
Social

It's a new dawn. It's a new day. And we just want to feel good. But how? Choosing joy is a decision we can make everyday. To feel that magic, that spark, that lightness, that strength. It's a force that we can say YES to. It's a feeling we have the power to cultivate. It's what we call: joy to the run. So what does that look like? 


It's a celebration of going the distance. 

going_the_distance_0.jpg

That free flow of a solo effort. 

solo_effort_0.jpg

It's where creativity takes flight. 

creativity.jpg

That sunshine on your skin. 

sunshine.jpg

Good soul in your feet. 

good_soul.jpg

It’s teammates coming together. 

teamwork.jpg

It's that floaty, lightness of a run that comes easy. 

IMG_0710.jpg

It's the triumph of hard work that pays off. 

hard_effort.jpg.jpg

So why not joy everyday? What stands in the way? 

joy_everyday.jpg

Vulnerability of the unknown. 

unknown.jpg

The starting line what ifs

what_ifs_0.jpg

Fear of the fall out. 

fear_0.jpg

So how do we say yes to joy and silence the voice of fear? 

We give recognition to vulnerability. We tell fear that it's welcome on the ride, but it can't steer the ship. We take a brave breath and we take the helm. We take chances, because it's a hell of a lot more interesting than staying small, staying safe, staying comfortable. And we embrace the glorious ride and all of the goodness that comes with choosing joy. 

We want to know… what does #joytotherun look like for you?

heather-stephens-signature.jpg

0
A New Chapter, Rooted in Our Flight Together

A New Chapter, Rooted in Our Flight Together

At Oiselle, we often talk about “the strength of the team.” Not just the team inside our walls, but the team made up of every woman who pulls on a ...
Margo Cramer
Core Routine For Runners: The Dozen

Core Routine For Runners: The Dozen

I was introduced to the "The Dozen" in the winter of 2012 by my favorite Oregon running family. I love this set of core exercises for its efficient...
Sarah Lesko
Pelvic Floor Health For Runners

Pelvic Floor Health For Runners

Do you find yourself running to the bathroom before you head out the door, avoiding group runs, or afraid to wear anything but black running tights...
Nancy Boyd
Dynamic Warm-Up With Littlewing

Dynamic Warm-Up With Littlewing

BACK FROM THE ARCHIVES!This blog may be from early 2014, but dynamic warm-ups never lose relevance. So, if you've been on a drill hiatus, ...
Anita Campbell