I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday probably!) on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page

The inside of doors of the kitchen cupboards have notes and papers and info stuck randomly across their surface.

To remind me.

I never look at them; I’ve become too accustomed to their presence.

So this morning when an overnight house guest comments on them I see them through new eyes.

And pull them off and scrunch them up. Decluttering is good, I tell myself.

But one catches the unseeing eye afresh: Boosting the energy levels. I wonder when I first saw it or pinned it there as a reminder. When my energy levels were low, lower than they appear to be now.

Probably last year sometime.

I scan the list: ten things to do.

- get plenty of rest

- exercise daily

- drink lots of water

- eat high energy foods

- take a good multi-vitamin

- feed your brain

- maintain a positive attitude

- watch your mouth

- avoid people who deplete you

- connect with God

It all sounds – admirable; do-able; good advice.

In practice I find a need a certain amount of energy in the first place to decide to do all this.

And maybe the order is upside down.

I shall start by connecting with God. After that everything else will probably fall into place.

It’s a good place to start.

My heart needs to connect with Him constantly. This morning’s reading in Proverbs reminds me:

Above all, guard your heart for from it flow the springs of life. (4:23)

Yes.

The springs of life, energy levels, a sense of well-being, it all comes from the ONE who first breathed life into me and sustains me each day by His breath of life.

I’m off to get a glass of water.

And maybe have a nap – after I’ve done today’s 10,000 minimum steps.