Forgetting What Isn't Important.

Running.

I've found throughout my life that people look at running in many different ways. Some love it, some hate it. Some tolerate it, and others refuse to ever take part in the activity.

About a week and a half ago, I pulled my hip flexer after running somewhere between 3 and 4 miles. I couldn't run for a little over a week in order for it to naturally fix itself. I really didn't think that it would affect my life as much as it did, but before I knew it I was longing to get out on the trail and just run.

Today was the day that I got to do just that.

Someone once asked me, "Why do you run?" I let that question sink in. Because, no. I do not run in cross country or in track, and running is not on my work out plan for cheerleading. I just do it. And I love it. I replied, "To forget. Even if it's just for a little while." This person just looked at me like I was crazy, but I just continued on, "To get over things that don't matter. Clears my mind."

Running causes me to get a sort of high, and for the period of time that I am engrossed in running, the rest of the world doesn't even exist. Not for exams, not for homework, not for family or friends, not for boys... nothing. It's just me and my feet hitting the floor causing a steady beat. I focus on my breathing.

It's sort of like every breath I take in, is a problem I'm having. And when I breathe out, it's gone.

I ran alone today. First time since I've been up here. I thought it was going to be hard running without my running partner from up here. I thought that running the same trail without him would just make things worse. However, it was just the opposite. I ran past the water we swam in and past the rocks we sat at and talked about out deepest fears. And with every breath I let out, I let go. I forgot the feelings associated with the mundane objects. Not necessarily the events that took place, but I forgot enough to move on.
Running sets you free, honestly.
I also came to the realization that I cannot hold on to the things that don't make sense to hold on to. When I ran today, I realized how waiting for things to happen won't make them happen. Once I got to the end of the trail, I stopped and looked behind me. I saw a couple of things.

Firstly, I saw where I came from. The memories along the way and the bumpy roads I tried to avoid but had to get through anyways.
Secondly, I saw something I could face again, but this time with a new understanding because I had already been there.

I came back from my run and looked at myself as a new person. Maybe that's too deep, but whatever. I let go of the things that were holding me back. I got rid of the silly distractions that made my anxiety rise. And I let some people know how I really feel.

Running is about finding the endurance to keep going even when all you want to do is stop and let the world go without you. The same can be said about life itself. Once this is learned, you can really come to peace with what is, learn to accept what isn't, and strive to get what you want.

Go for a run.

Barber

“You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.” 
― C. JoyBell C.