I may not be running as much as I would like, but I feel that my life is still one big running adventure. One mom: running through life one day at a time.
While on my trail run this week, I had a realization that trail running is very similar to my life right now. It is no secret that my hearts desire is to return to teaching full time. I am learning to exhale doubt and inhale self-confidence.
I have set a goal and am doing what is needed to move forward to reach that goal. This is very similar to training for a goal race, running a specific distance or even a weight loss goal.
Set a goal.
Make a plan.
Keep moving forward even when things get hard.
Sometimes while trail running the trail is easy and smooth. The pace feels easy. Breathing is steady. Body feels strong. Yet just around the bend there are rocks, roots, and a wicked hill that gives you pause to stop, turn around and reconsider your goal.
In times like this it is best to review your goal and decide how bad you really want it. If you really want it it is time to dig deep, put your head down, and continue placing one foot in front of the other.
Sometimes on your journey, you will come to a cross road where there will be multiple paths for you to choose. Sometimes these paths you have no idea what is down it. You can trust your gut, continue veering to the left, or just run blindly forward and pray that it is the right choice. The journey is yours to take.
Whatever path you choose, own it. If you find that the path is a dead end, stop to enjoy the surroundings, learn from it and turn around. Turning around to go back to where you know things are safe is not failing… it is regrouping. Perhaps our path isn’t going where we would like, so a U-turn is needed. Sometimes we all need to regroup to find our fire, our focus, our desire again.
There might be times when you come across a wicked hill and you need to slow down to walk. Slowing down is not failing. It is listening to your body, doing what is best for you, all while you continue to move forward. One step at a time.
Quite honestly, at least for me, there might come a time when you are cruising along at a comfortable speed and the run is effortless and seemingly perfect. Then all of a sudden a tree root (rock? random magical leprechaun?) reaches up and trips you flat on your face. You are hurt. Bruised. Humbled. Weary of continuing for fear of falling (failing) again.
How you react to that fall is what will make you grow stronger. Picking yourself up. Dusting yourself off. Placing one foot in front of the other again to continue reaching your goal. You are smarter. Wiser. Stronger. Learn from your mistakes and stumbles. Grow from them. Enjoy the scenery and enjoy the mile you are in.
While on my trail run this week, I found myself comparing the parallel of my trail run to my job search. I may not have reached my goal destination, yet. However, if I keep moving forward by placing one foot in front of the other, it will happen. Slowly but surely the finish line will appear. I may be broken, bruised, dirty and shaken… but I will continue to push myself forward. I am strong. I am an overcomer. I am determined.
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