As I get older, I have started to realize that the world, as complicated as it is, is actually pretty simple to figure out. There is no “one big thing” that’s going to happen to make everything that much better…and the sooner we embrace that, the happier we can all be. To put it simply, no matter what fortunes, or misfortunes come your way, there are always going to be great days and lousy ones. If you win the lottery, you’ll still have days of joy, and ones of sorrow. If you land your dream career, same goes. Life truly is a roller coaster …and you have to ride the ups and downs.
Yesterday, was definitely an up. One of the better ups I can remember. A weather-perfect fall day and inspiration in the air. Yesterday I ran for the cure.
I once had dreams of completing a marathon, and then a blown knee and two reconstructive surgeries shattered that. I’ve always been angry at my body for failing me, and jealous of all those other athletes that have completed marathons and Ironmans, things I always had on my bucket list but had to remove when my body couldn’t handle that much impact anymore. I hadn’t participated in a race in seven years, when I had two happy and healthy knees. But when a new friend asked me to help celebrate her birthday by participating in her team run, I decided to get back into the game.
And I did. I gave it all I had. With gusto and a grateful heart. Grateful that I have a body that will allow me to run 5k. Grateful that my family and I have little to complain about in the grand scheme of things (and there were hundreds of people running the race that obviously have not had the same luck). Grateful to be part of a team with such different and interesting women, all doing something to hopefully bring about change. Grateful that I was going to have Dim Sum with my dreamy husband and my amazing son after this was all over. Grateful that yesterday was an incredible day and that the roller coaster ride was a thrilling one.
I’ll likely never do a marathon. Or an Ironman. Hell, I may never even make it to 10k. But that’s okay. There are worse things in life than blown knees. It’s just another bump to absorb and there will be more to come, I know. But for now, I’m still riding the high of my gratitude run.
What are you grateful for?
Comments