Running

While walking recently, the impulse to pick up the pace hit me. My mental reaction? Confusion. Why on earth would I start running when I get so much value out of slow, boring walks?

Walking reminded me daily that progress is progress, whether I move fast or slow. 
Walking forced me to slow down and enjoy the process: it’s my moving meditation. 
Walking allowed me to make peace with the uncomfortable seasons of life. 
Walking taught to be patient with my Maker and with me. 
My daily walks started as a frustrating reminder of my weakness and have since become a retreat from the noise and business around me. Walks are life to me.

So, when I got the urge to start running, my confusion morphed into a slight panic. Was the old me trying to creep back in? Was I pretending to be content but secretly hoping to get back to running through life with reckless abandon? I kept walking and thought about it. With time I realized that the urge wasn’t discontent. It was a sign that I was getting stronger and was ready to work on my physical and emotional stamina. The voice in my spirit was whispering, “You’re stronger than you think you are.”

So, as an act of faith, I enlisted My Love as a running partner. It took about a week to work up the courage, but we got out there and ran. Well, our first night out was a light jog up and down the street that ended with a very winded Cyrah. BUT we did it! Every weekday since that day, we’ve dressed for a run, stretched our limbs, and stumbled out the door, (whether we felt like it or not). Somehow we make ourselves start and don’t stop until we’re done.

Every day I’m less sore.
Every day I pant less.
Every day I enjoy it more.
It’s beautiful.  

The events in my life just seem to reflect what happens in my quiet time. Career opportunities have picked up. My relationships are demanding a little more of my attention. In the best way, life seems to be asking for more of my energy than it was before. What’s beautiful about following my spirit is that I was prepared for the change of pace. There are moments when my soul is a little confused by it all. It wants to run top-speed into everything … because now it can. But, after a year of walking, I know better. I force myself to keep walking on the inside.

Two years ago, I felt like everything about my life was moving too slow. If I had downtime I didn’t know what to do with myself. I had to deal with my discontent head-on. After working on my heart for a while, I’m more content in any state. The urge to run only came when I was fine with just walking. I’m thankful for the lesson.
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Now I feel peace and gratitude. Period. AND it has nothing to do with my external circumstances. I may be moving faster on the outside, but inside I’m still on that slow, boring stroll that brings me so much joy.