Life Lesson from Running
April 22nd, 2010
I decided that I was feeling up for a little run today, so I packed my running stuff so that I could run around the College after work.
Shortly after my run I started to let my mind get to me: it’s hot, this is boring, I’m thirsty, I just want to stop, I’m sick, I suck at running.
I could feel the circumstances starting to overcome me. I had told myself so many reasons to stop running, but deep down I didn’t want my run to defeat me. So I made a decision to drive to a local park and run on one of the most beautiful trails available to me!
I made the decision to make the best in the situation. I had a chance to overcome the circumstances, clear my head, and do some thinking.
I thought about one of my favorite quotes:
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
~Maya Angelou
Today I chose to overcome my circumstances, I changed my attitude. I chose happiness.
I tackled 4 miles with an average pace of 9:41!
Do you know people who suffer under their circumstances? They take no ownership for for who they are and what they do. I did it because… I had no choice…
Are you like that?
I know the tendency is to surrender to the things that seem to be bigger than us. It is so easy to be defined by the unfortunate circumstances that occur during our lives. But the truth is that we always have a choice. While we may have no control over what happens to us, we always have a choice in how we respond and we always have control over our attitude.
Being the nerd that I am, I remembered the conversation between Gandalf and Frodo in “The Fellowship of the Ring” but Tolkien.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
No person, no situation, no circumstance can dictate whether or not we are happy or content. While I was running I realized that my natural tendency is to give up, but it’s Christ’s power that enables me to rise above the challenges that I’m faced with. What a blessing because if the power rested with me, I’d give up and give in every time.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
Are you proactive or reactive? Are you defined by your circumstances or do you define them? Do you choose happiness?
Categories: Uncategorized
This post hits home with me because I used to be that person! That person, who said that I didn’t have a choice and acted selfishly all the time. Now, I’m all about taking responsibility. When I see people going through those internal struggles that I used to go through, I empathize with them because I was there once. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my moments, but I remind myself about making that choice to deal with what is given to me or to sit and complain about it. Usually I choose the first.
Great post, girl. You’ll get through this. This will pass. I promise.
Thanks. Nicole! I think it’s a constant struggle..it’s just human nature to blame everything and everyone but ourselves! But with that logic, we can’t take any credit for the good things, either!
So inspiring! This ia a great life lesson that can be learned it would be a great attainment. Thank you for the reminder. Let’s all be proactive. XO
Thanks, Radha!
So true! I think so many out there can learn from this lesson – we are in charge of ourselves and our attitudes. It’s difficult to ALWAYS be positive and to choose to be happy, we all stumble and struggle, but it’s maintaining a positive trend in life that matters and the choice to do that is within all of us.
Great post!
Thanks! It is ddefinitely hard! I know it bothers me when I see it others, but probably because I hate it about myself, too!
Oh great post! I’ve been trying to become more & more proactive- taking control of my own actions & making the best of my situation. It’s easier said than done, but so important! I LOVE that Maya Angelou quote:)
Definitely harder said than done! And I need to take my own advice!
That scenery from your run looks kind of like the paths in the shire from Fellowship of the Ring… another thing running and lotr have in common!
We should run it together sometime.. pretend we’re running to the Brandybuck ferry!
Man I get like that during some runs sometimes too! But you go girl way to be positive about it and stick with it!! You rock!
Thanks Jess.. I think it’s part of the running territory!
This was a wonderful post! I was going through the same thing in my head during my run yesterday. Although I can’t say that I went through the LOTR dialogue
I always start repeating my mantra, “You are stronger than you think”, and then I set a short time goal for myself. If I have ran 20 minutes I tell myself that if I will do 10 more minutes then I can quit. I find that once those 10 mins are over I’m surprisingly not near as tired as I thought, and I’m ok with at least pushing myself a little farther.
Another sort of weird motivation for me, my Husband (the strange dear that he is) always “jokes” (I really think he seriously thinks about this stuff) that the zombies are going to take over one day and we need to be ready. Not that I think zombies are coming, but I do want to know that if I was ever in a life threatening situation that I am physically prepared for it. And running will probably be key
How’s that for a little dose of weird on your Friday?
This comment made me laugh SO HARD! Your husband sounds about as normal as mine!
1) i opened your blog in a new tab this morning at my work computer at 7:15 to read while eating breakfast.
2) it is now 3:19
3)apparently I get distracted easily.
4) i still havent read this post
5)but i wanted to start leaving this comment, because i thought it was important you now my thought process about it being 3:30 and my now sitting down to read it.
6) we both know if i didnt scroll to the bottom to start this comment, i would have gotten distracted and forgotten that little tid bit.
so now i will read…
brb
(only not really, because you are reading this all at once and not with a pause….)
and im back.
by the way. its now 3:47.
i had to help book a flight. yes, help someone book a flight. these are the things i am paid for- knowing how to navigate the internet.
ANYWAY.
I would say that i am about 90-10. I try to keep a positive attitude even in the worst of circumstances, but its NOT always easy. sometimes i faulter. but usually i can count on some GREAT blogger to remind me
ahem.
xoxoxox
there you go. i have now met my really long rambly comment quota for the week. ha.
oh Heather. You brighten my life!
It always takes a bad run to make me realize these things (or other people in my life who either remind me of it or annoy me because they do it too!…this might have been influenced by a little of each).. BUT the rough run got me thinkin’ and I managed to salvage the run!
Do I choose happiness or let it find me?
It varies – and of course it’s easier to choose happiness when you’re already in a good mood – that whole slippery slope idea. Every morning I take the stairs – I can take them and let my legs feel tired, and feel tired all over, or I can take the stairs and say “how awesome is it that I’m at the perfect floor to use the stairs every single day.” I try for the second, but there are some days when the first takes over. Every time I enter the building though, I remind myself that I am making a choice, every day, of how I want to continue. I know that’s a little example – but it really makes a difference for me. Those around me complain about the stairs and avoid them. I see it as an easy way to get a little more exercise in my day. Why use the elevator – people can get trapped in there! (not in all elevators, specifically in old broken down elevators).
I bike home and have the choice to think “ugh, I’m tired and don’t feel like taking the dog out” vs. “I’m looking forward to putting my backpack down and enjoying outside with the dog – it’s always fun to see him run!” Once again – my brain sometimes goes with one and sometimes goes with the other – but it’s the awareness of the choice. I think it’s okay to sometimes succumb to the “ugh” feeling – it’s a part of life, but it’s also important to realize that you have options in how you see your life. Realism is good, but a good dose of positivity can help change your reality very quickly.
I choose to open my window and enjoy my afternoon. I choose to run around with the dogs tonight. I choose to spend time with my family. These choices – they’re important. Heck, even I choose to have this piece of chocolate is way different than “I want this piece of chocolate but I’m going to feel guilty about it.” Remind yourself that it’s always a choice and you learn to listen to your body, your feelings, your nature.
Um… yeah… anywho… my fingers got a little carried away. I’m glad you were able to have a good run!
This is great! We have the ability to choose happiness in every area of our lives! Thanks for your input!
love reading your blogs.. those trail pics look beautiful!
i was just wondering.. do you run them alone? i have nice trails behind my place that stretch into the city, but my mind gets the best of me, and i always think there “might be someone” waiting along the trail. maybe i watch too many news channels..
your thoughts..
Thanks for stopping by Ginger, I’m glad you enjoy the blog!!!
Maybe I should watch a little bit more news… ignorance is bliss… but still ignorance! I just try not to worry too much and be smart!
i LOVE THAT VERSE ABBY!! i love how insightful and WISE you are!!
Thanks, Katie!
I am the same way! But I told myself this yesterday in my attempt to run 2 miles nonstop, that I may hate myself right now, but I better love myself soon otherwise I won’t finish. And 26 mins later I found a way to love myself.
Plus it helped that a certain boy was waiting at the finish to wipe my tears off
Tough runs are the best for growth! And it’s always good to have the encouragement of a loved one!
“But the truth is that we always have a choice.” I so want to shout that from the rooftops some days! I think so many people put on that they are powerless and just can’t do anything about it, but we ALWAYS have a choice. Whether it is to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps or to change our attitude concerning the situation, life is about the CHOICES.
This comment made me want to dance!! WE DO ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE! I hate it when people say “That’s just how I am”.. Um, maybe..but you CHOSE that and you can CHOOSE to change!
I’ve had this beautifully written post open since I first read it but have been all over the place and finally getting to responding! Randomly finding a post that resonates perfectly is one of the amazing things about blogs. With school, I think I let my circumstances define me for so long. Last fall, I made the huge decision to not continue with a PhD and get a MS. I was truly unhappy and felt I “had to” do it. But I finally chose happiness! While I still think of finishing my thesis as more of a “have to” than “I love this and want to,” it was a much better choice than continuing for 3 years. On a lighter note- I like the connection to running because we’ve all had days like that. Another great tool for getting through the mental struggles of training. Thanks!
[...] or not, the power of the mind is unbelievable. Like Abby said in her post (which I read a few times and inspired my positivity)- we can choose happiness. I knew training [...]
Very Nice post! We have the power to control most things in our life, but its all about making that choice. And the things we cannot control can be managed exceptionally well with the right attitude.
[...] var sc_partition=60; var sc_click_stat=1; var sc_security="b93713ac"; « Life Lesson from Running Ann Arbor ImpulseWritten by abbynormallyApril 25th, [...]
[...] other week I wrote on overcoming our circumstances and not being defined by them. I plan to practice what I preach. I had a choice: to run the whole marathon and possibly be [...]
I wish I could say that I chose to be proactive more often than I chose to be reactive…but I know it isn’t so. I tend to be a very reactive person, but one who tries REALLY hard to be proactive. I suppose I should take advice from Yoda and say to myself…”DO, there is no try”.
) As always, your posts bring me great inspiration.