There are so many opportunities to get carried away in the to-do lists that can be this holiday season. Shopping and buying presents for friends and family, getting decorations up, baking, making it to holiday parties in one piece, ordering and sending out Christmas cards, etc. fill up the days more quickly than I’d like to admit.
This year, I’m trying to take more time to focus on and, especially for my kid’s sake, convey the importance of finding ways to meet the needs of others in our community and spend time enjoying each other in the midst of it all. That is one of the reasons our family was so excited to participate in the SLO County YMCA Moonlight 5K.
The SLO County YMCA, right on their home page, states, “Be a Part of Something Bigger.” Participating in an event like the Moonlight 5K was one of those opportunities that allowed us to take time to appreciate each other AND know that all the money raised would benefit the many fantastic programs funded through YMCA. And on top of all of that, it was a ton of fun. They handed out glow sticks, glow in the dark face paint and shirts to help guide the way as the evening went from dusk to dark. The runners weaving their way along the beautiful course at the Avila Beach Golf Resort looked like a trail of fireflies as they made their way through the 3.1 miles to the finish line. And the dance party at the end had everyone smiling.
With a four and six year old in tow, we didn’t quite make it through the entire course, but I hope it’s the time together and the idea of giving back that they’ll take from the experience. My husband and I are so very thankful to live in the community that we do. The generosity of the people who live here, the beauty of the landscapes around us and the ability to get out of our day to day to do list through opportunities like this leave us with a deep sense of gratitude. For that reason and so many more, we’ll continue to #ShareSLO!