My assignment was to write a post to my dream reader. It got me thinking who my readers are and what they would like to read.

As my blog doesn’t focus on one principal, rather on many, my readers would be varied. My followers consist of runners, family members, friends and fellow writers. I like to think they signed up to my blog to support me, to receive reading pleasure and feel inspired in some way.

Five years ago I didn’t know whether I would stay sober. Every day was a nightmare realising I could never have a drink for the rest of my life. I was petrified of the future, scared I would fall off the bandwagon, that the dreams I craved for were out of my grasp. I had to force myself out of my comfort zone, join an AA group, admit I had a problem and seek the help I desperately needed. It wasn’t an easy journey, yet I learnt so much about myself, received unconditional love and support from virtual strangers and found a power greater than myself who wanted me to succeed. I reaped valuable lessons from these meetings – one day at a time I can stay sober, nothing can trouble me if I live in the here and now and I will always be protected if I stay close to my Higher Power. One day at a time led to five sober years and I’m forever grateful for a second chance to make things right.

Five year sobriety celebration:)

I latched on to running as a distraction to fill my time. It was a tall order to envision, considering I didn’t have a sporty bone in my body and loathed eating healthy. Attempting to run for a minute felt like someone was strangling the living daylights out of me. But I refused to let this deter me – I practised over a period of time until I was able to run twenty minutes non-stop on the treadmill. I joined a running club when I became bored of the gym and was keen to see where the sport would lead me. Running in a club environment gives one the boost to improve yourself, to enter races and become part of a group who supports you all the way. Running has afforded me priceless treasures – your body has the ability to exceed the limits your mind can’t conceive, no matter how troubled you are, when you run your soul feels lighter, the outdoors blesses you with breath-taking sunrises/sunsets and endorphins embrace you when you’re done. Yip, running brings me endless joy and gives me a sense of pride of how far I’ve come.

My running story published in Modern Athlete:)

I’ve always known I wanted to write. I started journaling from a young age and devoured books. I tend to live in my head a lot, an introvert who likes nothing better than being holed up writing to my heart’s content. However, I started quite late in life realising this vocation is what I want to pursue for the rest of my days. I completed a short storey course a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I joined a Writer’s Circle where I’ve been inspired to push the envelope and experiment with different forms of writing. Most importantly, I created this blog from scratch, made it into what it is today and every post I write is a labour of love. Blogging is my baby and I treasure it with all my heart and soul.

Yip, that’s me:)

In a nutshell, what I really want my reader to know is that there isn’t any dream they cannot fulfil. It truly doesn’t matter that your life isn’t where you wish it to be. If you have a stirring within your soul to live your life’s purpose, to alter your path, to make yourself happy – do it – it doesn’t matter how long it takes, how old you are or how many people will say you’ll never make it – go out there and ignite your dream, be the best YOU.