"The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu
Ain't that the truth?!
I hit a milestone of running 1,000 miles this year. The number 1,000 is large and pretty overwhelming, but 1,000 miles are not run overnight. This is the result of commitment to get up and run on a regular basis; be it a 3 mile or an 11 mile run. Consistency is key. If you ever want to be successful in anything you must be consistent.
Now I know I write about running, but this is not an agenda to get people to start running. My hope is that everyone finds their passion, something that makes them happy and is also benefiting them at the same time. To dedicate all of this time for something that doesn't benefit me would be a waste and I would be a fool. But I love this. I love running. I love the perks that come with it and how it makes me realize my own strength.
Imagining travelling with someone for 1,000 miles... you will get to know that person pretty well. I have grown into my own skin and I have learned so much about myself from the time I have spent running and being alone with my thoughts. I have realized how strong the body is and how powerful the mind can be. Believe me, it is a battle of the mind and body sometimes. There are days when my body is tired but I tell myself, "You know you will feel better afterwards, go out and run." My mind can convince me to push my body and it's almost always right. Then there are the days when my body is feeling just fine, but my mind is telling me, "Not today.. don't do it." That's when I ignore my head and just start running. I've never regretted a run. EVER.
***Disclaimer: When I say my body is tired, it is just that... tired. I am not talking about physical pain of the knees or an injury where I can cause myself harm. It is important to listen to your body and not to push yourself if there is risk or harm involved!
As humans we are capable of so much but we don't tap into half of what we are able to do. Some people ask why I feel the need to run marathons saying that I don't need to put my body through all of that. It is important to note that it is just as much mind as it is body if not more.There is something beautiful about pushing yourself to the extreme and realizing that it is possible... IT IS POSSIBLE. Just that statement alone is worth gold. Realizing that all things are possible opens your mind and many doors in your life. Once you have gone through something very challenging and come out on the other side you can face other challenges and realize this is something else you can get through.
Dedication and commitment are key. If you have a goal then you have to work towards that goal regardless of how you are feeling. If we only did the things we felt like doing we wouldn't be doing much or we would be doing a lot of the wrong things. Make a goal for yourself and realize the steps you need to take to accomplish that goal. Some days you might feel good and some days you might not feel so good, but it is key to remember why you are doing what you are doing.
I could go on and on, but there's a huge difference between hearing something and experiencing something. I pray that people (including myself first and foremost) find something they love that brings them closer to their Creator and makes them realize all of the possibilities and wonders that life holds. I also pray that we come to know our own selves a little better because in this journey of life people come and go, but you will always have to live with yourself and that's just the truth of the matter.
Thank you for reading.
