You know, the other day I decided to go for a run. Now, I’ve never been much of a runner. I thought it would help clear my head so I could focus and make a few important decisions.
Well it worked, but not in the way I would have expected it to. As I started running, my head began overloading with thoughts, uncertainties, confusion, and was doing the opposite of what I had hoped. The harder and more focused I was, the worse it got.
However, when I slowed down and began headed in a new direction, I felt better. I would try once again to push my pace, or to go back to my original destination, but it all would come back. Eventually, I decided I didn’t care where I ended up, or how long it would take me to get there.
I came onto a grassy green park by the Manawatu River, threw my shoes off and dug my toes into the grass. I sat down in complete satisfaction looking around me, this is where I was suppose to be.
There was a white gazebo in front of a sparkling river, running trails, happy dogs, and the sun was shining, this place was perfect.
(Not the actual Gazebo for those calling me on my BS)
I realized that when I was focused on exactly where I wanted to end up, that that’s all I could see. Rather, when I slowed down and had no end in mind, everything I saw was amazing.
I took my time enjoying myself in the park, digging my feet into the mud, dancing, and fiddling with sticks. Still in the moment, I was pushing myself to make decisions, and felt rushed to get back into the rat race.
With a shoe in each hand, I walked up to the edge of the river, and one by one, threw them into the current. They gave me blisters. I never liked running, or being in a rush to go somewhere I didn’t want to be (especially considering the larger scale of my “life”).
Now the moral is, not to throw your shoes in the river, but to be true to yourself. There is a difference between the path you are meant to take and the path you think you’re supposed to take.
I encourage you to live life like a journey, to enjoy the adventure and each step along the way. Not to take life or dreams for granted. We can learn something amazing every day, and to try new things.
