In life, how does one arrive to that "special" world- the one with natural beauty, bliss and love? Shouldn't it be all easy and all fun all of the time? Don't I get to call the shots in life!- ha!
The energy of the universe sure is cheeky. I mean, seriously, how did I get to the cleansing destination where my work meets my passion? Where a love of people, places, and things has become almost innate? And how ironic that looking back on the last 30 years of my running, coaching, and teaching career were obvious tiny steps towards the ultimate "return home with gifts".
AND the biggest realization is that I will probably take this tumultuous, unsteady journey over and over, again, and again, and again.
And while some may scoff or wonder why a person would continually and voluntarily "pack up" to journey into yet another unknown-towards what looks like, well, either a beautiful horizon or a fiery pit- ha!-You can lean on faith and hope in your own hero's journey; we can all surly identify and follow the yearning that is the small fire in our belly: our dreams, our goals. Maybe your goal is a journey that others around you do not quite understand - maybe you don't quite understand.YET. Having perspective that you are perhaps undertaking a brave start towards a new way of thinking and living- with this one tiny goal that started in your heart. The coolest part, the process of anything is where the gifts abound. Be prepared to fly- be prepared to uncover much greater, new gifts you never dreamed of and to which you can share with others.
BUT, there is a caveat: you cannot demand don't need perfection, an easy path- no no no- but certainly with grit, grace, and an attitude of progress you will return home- lighter, faster, stronger in spirit and body.
Can you work through each challenge and unexpected emotion or pain without a mask. The only way to break through and defeat the “monsters” along the way are by uncovering the whole self, feeling the stings, singing the celebrations, and allowing the self to freak out, mess up, or even self doubt. Only to find that on the other side is an empowered, capable, stronger, calmer being waiting with open arms. Heck, even the so called labeled "monsters" will want to know your secret!
There is no secret: you have to become honest. You have to work through the doubt. You have to believe in yourself. You have to give yourself the nutrition, sleep, movement, and spiritual healing your body is begging you for now.
I have zero shame in sharing that when I like something - I tend to “use that” thing to numb- whether it was a drink over 15 years ago, candy, soda, coffee! I am distinctly aware of how I can pick something up to enjoy versus to numb my way through a challenge or feeling. It may seem so harmless, so simple...what does this hurt.
However, the scary truth is that we get stuck in our journey’s when we use something to numb through a problem leading for this "thing" that was once joy NOW inhibiting our ultimate growth. And some may say, I like where I am at…can’t I just be ok. Sure. If that is your choice. YES! It is your life. Your business.
But, is it really your choice?
What I am speaking of above does have the ring of addiction. And, I believe it is on a spectrum, but each of us has to decide when the external bandaid is holding us back- when in real life, our hearts and souls want so badly to move forward and see ourselves fly again.
To feel free and full of fire while also feeling calm and controlled in the most precious moments of life.
For me, I know what needs to be completely cut out of my life in order to continue on this unforeseen journey that is my life- one life. I want many more "calls to adventure". These don't come for free; they don't come easy either.
Wednesday, I am invited to a nearby school where I get to speak with children ages 6-13 about my journey, my story and how I got to this middle place of my life. I say "this place" because I will never arrive. I will return home with gifts, but continually pack up again - you know the trend- if not, you didn't take notes in my senior literature/composition class that I taught for WSD- thank you Joseph Campbell for explaining life to us all - ehem, can you say StarWars or Lion King, and -
Ok I digress…again.
All the hiccups, diversions, relationships, mentors, devastations, celebrations -all of them make up the patchwork quilt that is my ongoing journey.
What I have to offer, it seems to be different with each journey. This may seem unsettled to some, but I agree with Mr. Campbell- it’s cyclical; its freeing; its adventure!
Love you all and don’t forget- if today is a trough - understand it is a part of your growth and story, so don't numb it- grow it.
Pack up for your journey - TODAY!
As for my speaking with the students about my journey - well, I have 5-10 minutes Ha! Wish me luck.
Coachjaxtherunner #runningnerd
Love this!