Gratitude

gratitude

/ˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd/

noun 

1.

a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation, as for gifts or favours

Word Origin

C16: from Medieval Latin grātitūdō, from Latin grātus grateful

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

I was brought up to be a well mannered child, with my parents teaching me my "p's and Q's". I thought I was quite polite until one occasion a a few years ago when someone pointed out to me that often, in a familiar setting, my "please and thank you" weren't used as often as I would think. "Can you pass that?" I'd shout, showing no gratitude when the task was completed.

I was shocked, and since then have endeavoured to ensure that such a conversation is not required with me again.

However, over the past few years I've noticed how the demonstration of gratitude appears to be on the decline. The saying of a heartfelt thank you when someone does something for you is often replaced with "cheers" or "ta". 

Someone holds the door for you, and you walk straight through without saying a word.

Christmas and birthdays - where gifts can be exchanged with not so much as thanks. "Can you do me a favour"? - favour completed - and.......nothing! Ever experienced that? Ever done that?

Gratitude means "a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation"; but how often do you express that feeling? You may feel thankful, but was that appreciation shared with others involved in it's creation?

I'm particularly thankful for so much in my life - wife, kids, family, friends, health, career, colleagues, talents to name but a few and I hope that I show that daily! 

Do you owe someone a thank you? It may just be the thing that they need to hear today.

In 2009 I started blogging as an attempt to keep a diary about my training for the Silverstone Half Marathon,  (which I completed).

Now...I'm attempting to revive this dying "habit" as I prepare for the London Marathon! Some may ask why. Well, it's always been something I wanted to do - bucket list - but not "Complete a Marathon" - it's more precise "Complete the London Marathon". After years of failing to gain a place I finally got one this year.

I'm not a runner, hate running - I find it boring (heard these words before?). But there is something good, an immense feeling of achievement that comes over me when I complete a set distance - achieving something that I never thought I could do.....will that feeling become addictive?

My training plan is currently not badly off track (affected by the snow). Planning to run a 6 - 7 mile run on Sunday. The longest distance I've run non-stop before is 10 miles (4 years ago) but having done that once means I know 7 miles is achievable.



Sponsorship: if you feel the need to sponsor me details can be found at http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/ChrisMcDavid

30 grams of cereal.....

30 grams of cereal - really!? Now who ever came up with that amount as a recommended daily allowance must have been having a giggle! I have however, for the past two weeks abided by that RDA, using a smaller bowl (so it looks like a lot) and eating with a teaspoon (so it lasts longer!)
Image: Both bowls have 30g cereal.....


This healthy eating thing actually does work - however it's definately not easy, especially if you love food. I've now been "dieting"....(introducing permanent changes) for 2 weeks and so far I've lost 7lbs. Not bad really - First week consisted of getting the dietary issues right, and in the second week I've introduced exercise! (30 mins cardio, 30 mins weights, 15 minutes sauna).



My target weight...well that would be telling! I expect to look like a noodle at Christmas - just in time to eat to my hearts content!

Here's to new chapters....

So, one chapter of my life draws to a close - I sit here in anticipation of what the next one holds. I was made redundant last week. Kinda blows, and in the current environment it certainly is scary. I'm fighting a daily battle to remain positive and have to constantly remind myself that God has everything in control. It's very easy for my mind to try and convince me otherwise!

I have a wonderful, wonderful wife who is always reminding me of God's goodness and grace when I start to feel down or defeated.... she is such a strength and I'm so thankful for her!

Application forms, CV's, Job Searches, are now a daily occurance, and sometimes it becomes tedious, stressful and....I'll be honest boring. I've written the same thing 100's of times in "different" ways now and the worst part is not getting feedback!

I refuse....REFUSE to live under my circumstances, I serve a God who is bigger than any situation. I will not be reasonable...I want to be faithful (Thanks Andy Elms)

Today is the day You made, and I will sing for joy. Today, your promises are true, your mercies are renewed...So I will rejoice!

....now bring on the miracle!

When Hope Is Lost.........

Tough day today - don't know why........

Spent a good part of the day fighting back tears, trying to just get through to the end. I hate the way emotions can creep up and totally control me. So far I've been very controlled but today...for some reason........

I've had questions without answers
I've known sorrow, I have known pain
But there's one thing that I cling to
You are faithful, Jesus You're true

When hope is lost
I call You Saviour
When pain surrounds
I call You Healer
When silence falls
You'll be the song within my heart

In the lone hour of my sorrow
Through the darkest night of my soul
You surround me, You sustain me
My defender for ever more

When hope is lost
I call You Saviour
When pain surrounds
I call You Healer
When silence falls
You'll be the song within my heart

And I will praise You
I will Praise You
When the tears fall
Still I will sing to You
I will praise You
Jesus praise You
Through the suffering
Still I will sing to You

Silverstone Completed!!!

I did it - without the use of medical staff, ambulance or a stretcher!

The day started early at 6am - we left Scunthorpe at 7 with my adrenaline just beginning to bubble. According to reports from the passengers in my car it peak about 1 hr away from Silverstone. I was described as being "extremely pumped". Admittedly I was a little excited.

We arrived nice and early at Silverstone - which was great as we got parking space near the entrance (benefited us after the race). Total praise must go to the organisers as it was very well done.
We had about 2 hrs to kill so we wandered around the area, gathering all the freebies available (Lucozade galore - although the "energy bars" were not nice at all)

The tannoy called all athletes to make their way to the start area - and we responded as on that day we were classed as ATHLETES!!

While standing in the starting area - it was announced that the race would be delay by 15 minutes due to some people being held up on the motorway (LEAVE EARLY NEXT TIME PEOPLE!)

Finally the race started and we set off.... well Mark C, Nigel and Me. Mark Watt and Mark Dobb had found their way to the front as they intended to rocket around the track. Me.. I was aiming for 2hrs 40mins (with a pork sandwich waiting for me if I was successful)

MILE ONE - 12min 13 seconds; perfect pace. I was happy.

Between Mile One and Two - I lost Mark C, and tried to keep up with Nigel. I managed this until Mile 3.

So all the plans of running together went out the window and here I was alone with Lionel Richie in my ears. 10 miles to go.

I pressed on until Mile 6 when I had to stop - and after that it was a case of Run/Walk. It was also at Mile 6 that I began to feel a blister on my little toe (pic attached)

I pressed on through the miles and got to Mile 12 with 2hrs 35mins on the clock. One mile to go, I had nothing left but didn't want to quit. As I rounded the last corner I was overtaken by a guy dressed in full army gear and carrying a huge back pack. Respect to him!

As I crossed the line I really wanted to burst into tears - it was a massive emotional moment! Everything was hurting but I didn't care - I'd managed to finish!!

Got my medal and met up with the guys - (they'd all finished before me!) No one dared utter the words "Here's to next year" (I think Mark Dobbs was thinking it though)

It took 3 days before I could move without pain. It was a great experience, and you never know..... I may do it again next year - although that is in NO WAY a statement of confirmation.

Silverstone - The Final Prequel

With just under 16 hours till I'm standing at the start line, I can honestly say I'm both nervous and excited. I'm all packed, my playlist is sorted, my post run packup is ready (thanks Sall).

Yeah, maybe I haven't trained enough. Yeah, I've not got the greatest passion for running as some do - but despite this - I'm still going to do it. I'm looking forward to seeing that last mile post, to crossing the finish line, to the celebrations, to the immense euphoric feelings it will all bring. Whatever happens tomorrow - I make one promise - I will cross that finish line.

I will say thank you to all those who have wished me well, and to the guys running with me - this is a massive achievement for me, I certainly could not have done it with out you. Whats the next challenge??

And Sall - thanks for everything :) You are my hero!

BRING ON SILVERSTONE!