While at physical therapy I
was talking with one of my PTs and we were talking about how so often people
take things forgranted, and if you can really not take something, like
walking, forgranted until you've lost it. Before my accident though, I truly thought
I appreciated my ability to run. But even then there were so many
simplicities in life that I took for-granted. From running in the house because
I forgot my paper to sitting down and using a toilet, the list could go on
forever, but that's not my focus. Just two weeks before my accident I had been
out on a long run by myself. My experience on my run left me over-joyed and
pondering the beauty and meaning of running to me. So, when I got home I went
straight to my journal, I still remember sitting at our kitchen table writing
this entry.
“I absolutely love to run. People ask me all the
time, how to love running, or express to me how much they hate it. All of these
conversations, and many long runs on my own, has led me to these thoughts and
conclusions. I love to run because when I run, I don’t need anyone else or
anything. I mean, yes, clothes and shoes would be nice to have, but are by no
means essential. When I run, I see the world in an almost clearer, and more
beautiful light. And nothing, at least nothing I can think of, comes close to
that feeling of peace and pure joy when the warm sun beats down on my skin.
When I run, it seems as though, that is when I am closest to God, on my own and
in nature, in the beauty He created for me. There is no need for therapists
when running exists. Running calms my heart and soul. When I’m frustrated, I
run. When I’m upset, I run. When I’m near tears, I run. When I feel lazy, I
run. When I’m ecstatic, I run. When my heart is filled with gratitude, I run.
Running keeps me sane. Some may call me insane for running so much, but man oh
man are they wrong. Some say naps make everything better, but I believe running
makes everything better. I love running because I can just pick up and go. I
don’t need anything, but maybe the shoes on my feet. I’m very much a people person,
but when I find it hard to sort my thoughts, and find quiet time to pray to my
Father in Heaven, running is the perfect remedy.”