Sitting through uncertainty is the hardest thing, and this week I found myself wishing life was as simple as running. When I’m running, I know that all I have to do is just keep taking the next step. Whatever challenges, highs or lows come my way I know that they will pass and that I just have to take it moment to moment and embrace the journey. In running I love the challenges, they are as much part of the joy of the experience as those moments of flying high – but in life challenges often overwhelm me.
These last weeks though full of friends, new trails and new possibilities have also been full of uncertainty and doubt. As I wished life would be as simple as running, I finally figured that maybe it could be. After years of abuse and feeling completely helpless and hopeless in my personal life, those beliefs that I couldn’t cope or had no control were so deeply seated I was almost blinded to this automatic response in my personal life. This week, I had a moment of realisation that I could change the reaction. That, the women who could so competently handle everything a run could throw at her, could also cope with what life had to give. So, as hard as it is to change what feels like a lifetime’s reaction to uncertainty, here I am, and it’s working.
I’m applying the same process to life as my running: What do I need to do at this very moment? It’s not fret about the past or worry about the future. It’s to approach life confidently and competently and just do what needs to be done, knowing that I have all the skills I need, that I am strong and able to cope with anything. So, when my mind runs away with me and all systems go into overload, I remind myself that all I need to do is what is required in THIS moment, because maybe life can be as simple as running. One step at a time.
