1,100 miles gives you a lot of time to think about things. Roughly New York to Orlando. The how, what, who, where, and when of the equation is fairly simple, and is in large part due to the family, friends, and colleagues who supported me along the way. The 'why' is something I have yet to fully process and may need a few more years to effectively articulate. But in the spirit of capturing the final sentiments of 2015, I can say with some certainty that the answer isn't as simple as 'Gosh, I just love running!'. At least not to the extent that I love cheeseburgers, IPAs and the band Kings of Leon.
If one accepts the first law of thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, then it is far more useful to question what beliefs had to change in order to result in a healthier redistribution of energy. In the past 6 years, my journey toward adulthood has been characterized by incredible fortune, success, and happiness, but not without angst, disappointment and frustration. During the same time, those privileged enough to enter the real world with a college education have been derided for having blind idealism and overconfidence in themselves. It is for this reason that my reluctance to accept a much more complicated and unforgiving world is less remarkable than the means by which I've learned to cope with it.
Here are 3 beliefs that led me toward healthier forms of self-medication that include running:
Far more people are comfortable with the status quo than we appreciate. And while those people can be influenced, it is rare that can they be changed. One may have revolutionary ideas on business, relationships, society, religion, or art. Their ideas may even be good ones. And while the world will need such ideas, talent, energy and creativity to solve its most challenging problems, it is difficult for many people to embrace change that pose risks to their livelihoods, reputations and families, especially when they lack the personal experience or vision to suggest its even possible. These changes may also run counter to beliefs and habits that have resulted from years and years of self-reinforcement. Instead of seeing this as a limitation, understanding this can enable us to direct energy toward more fruitful pursuits.
Bearing responsibility for our behaviors is more practical than bearing responsibility for our circumstances. We are already fortunate enough to live in the most peaceful era of human existence. And if you used a toilet in the past 24 hours, you are among the privileged 50% of people that have access to sanitation in this world. This fortune is compounded when you consider the many other things over which we have little to no control of or responsibility for. At some point, it is with certainty that we will experience unhappiness with our job, our home, our government, or our relationships. While its tempting to take on these challenges all at once, it is in the best interest of our sanity and health to revert the focus to our own actions as much as possible. Making oneself a slave or master to anything else leads to a dead end.
Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can give anyone- including ourselves. It is natural to spend hours, days, or even years devoting negative energy toward how much someone did us wrong. Or how much we failed to realize our potential. Or how much we disappointed someone. But the future depends on people that can accept how imperfect people are, especially as their younger selves or those in less fortunate circumstances, and find ways to reconcile with it and move on. Whether it's a conversation with the person, God or with ourselves, making this a regular habit can transform many areas of our lives.
Sold on running? You can read my top tips for first time marathoners here.
Enjoy music? The 12 songs that defined the year are available here.