Another dawn run today, thanks to Fionnuala who makes sure I get up when the alarm goes off under this new regime. It was mild and dry this morning but very dark as I headed out off the village on a 5K route I know well. The occasional field of curious cows were my only company as I plodded along at a comfortable pace, my body still coming to terms that it had been tricked into exercise at such a ridiculous hour.
Most houses I passed were still swathed in darkness, curtains drawn and blinds firmly shut, refusing to join my early start to the day. Inside, people still lay curled cozily under their duvets. They were blissfully unaware of my passing, just as I had no idea as to what dramas unfolded within their walls and the trials and tribulations that lay ahead when they did finally rise from their slumber. They were cocooned in privacy.
There were a couple of exceptions, beacons in the darkness. Their curtains were wide open, their living rooms lit up and I could see television sets transmitting the morning news and kettles boiling in kitchens. These early birds were busily rushing through their morning routine, not worried about nosy runners peeking into their lives. They had nothing to hide and were happy to tell the world as much, wide awake and raring to face another day.
There is a lot to be said about being an open book. Yes, we all have a private life and certain personal matters are not for public consumption. But being able to live your life without fear of guilt, shame or retribution has a lot to be said for it. I want to live such a life, a simple life focused on my family and work. They are the cornerstones of my life. The rest is just icing on the cake. If you’re in a similar position then draw back the curtains and shout it from the rooftops.
Black Thoughts 
Betsy and I notice the same thing on our 5:30 am walk with Violet; most houses are still dark. On the flip side, mine will be 9 0,clock tonight!
Living life transparently is wonderful. My life is an open book. Though it might seem quite boring to some, it is a joyful experience to be the same person I am at home as I am at work as I am in the blog-o-sphere as I am etc.
Blessings to the Black family,
Chuck
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Thank you Pastor Chuck 😊
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I love this message. When I lived in Virginia 20 years ago, I used to walk right at dawn. It was so quiet and few were stirring. But I remember the feeling of seeing those that were up and about, windows unshuttered. It did feel like an expression of openness. Lovely💜
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what part of Virginia did you live? I live in Hampton Roads…
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Hampton Roads is my hometown (Newport News) but I was living in Alexandria at the time.
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Thank you very much 😊
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I like the last paragraph very much especially this line “But being able to live your life without fear of guilt, shame or retribution has a lot to be said for it.”
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Thank you 😊
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Thanks for inviting us all along on your dawn run. This may be the closest I ever come to the real thing.
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Ha Ha. You’re very welcome 😊
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Once again, I love your ability to capture a reader with your way with words!
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Thank you very much, Leigh 🙂
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A little writing and notoriety are nice as exterior fixtures. 😉
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One tries 🙂
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Great post.
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Thank you Amanda 🙂
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You perfectly describe how it’s not about what we don’t do. A lot of energy is to be lost there if we let it be. Focus on the little victories and moving forward to have more of these each day.
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Most definitely Hamish. Thank you 😊
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