Things have been feeling better recently. I’ve been in a better mood, I’m looking after myself better, I’m handling the stress of our house renovation better, I’m more present with my wife. What gives?

I realized today that I hadn’t been on a six-mile run for a long time, so I went on one. As I ran, it all clicked. I’ve been running more this month! I feel better this month! Sometimes the answer to our problems is really simple.

I like to go running and/or do some training (I miss you Peloton) almost every morning. When I start things off with a five-mile run or one hundred pushups, it’s pretty hard to have a bad day. That feeling of accomplishment decorates the day.

Running is one of my foundational habits and it has taught me a lot. Here is a list of other habits I consider foundational:

• Running/training (at least 30 minutes a day)
• Meditation (10 minutes a day)
• Drawing (15 minutes a day)
• Reading (30 minutes a day)
• Writing (30 minutes a day)
• Sleep (7 hours a night)

When I get off balance, it is a pretty good bet that I’m letting one of these habits lapse.

I’m glad I got my run in. Today is going to be great.