I had the great privilege of spending three wonderful days in Paris from 3 – 6 August for the 2024 Olympic Games. I was looking forward to this trip for the past eighteen months, having booked a package of tickets for the Games when they initially went on sale in February 2023. I knew it was a unique opportunity to make a trip of a lifetime and I wanted to be there.
Contracting Covid recently made me realise how much I needed a retreat again. It forced me to slow down and reflect and listen to my body. After beginning a full-time job four months ago and driving a daily round trip of 88 kilometres by car my routine became busier, and I felt I was beginning to experience the symptoms of burnout. Life felt more peaceful when I stopped, to take time to rest for a while. Even one hour of stillness I find does wonders for the soul.
Recently I attended a Running Retreat with Emerald Isle Tours at Praia da Falésia in Albufeira, Portugal. I booked this trip when I first saw it advertised in January. When I saw the words ‘running’ and ‘retreat’ together I knew this was for me. It offered the unique opportunity to go on a holiday with a difference – to step away from the busyness of life – like any other retreat I’ve been on – while also being able to connect with other like-minded people and enhance my enjoyment of running.
All vocations have a purpose and a mission. I firmly believe that God has always been calling me in my life. As I emerged from my young adult years I had a more definite sense of the Holy Spirit’s promptings to use my gifts. I’ve been fortunate in various jobs to do so. While there have been ups and downs looking back, I would have it no other way…My love of running and my faith helps to strive to live my best life and communicate Good News!
The Easter liturgies are a reminder to me of the culminating truth of the Christian faith, the gift of God’s grace and the new life that Jesus offers through his Resurrection…Throughout my life journey the Cross has been a powerful symbol of hope for me because it is not the end. I think of the healing and new life that God has given me through my faith in the Resurrection. I have always believed that Jesus could heal and is healing me. But healing is a process which takes time.