11.06.2011

Running Against the Wind

As I did my (nearly) 4 mile run (seriously felt more like I was trudging!) yesterday, I had a bit of an epiphany. It's fall here (on the calendar, anyhow - not necessarily temperature wise) and we have cooled down slightly. We also have had a bit of wind. Not much, mind you, and not anything that someone raised in Southern Alberta should even dare to call a wind -- but enough to notice when you're running against it.

So yesterday, as I did my 4 mile run (remember? the trudge!), I was acutely aware of the wind. But I only really noticed it when I was running against it. It pushed me back and I had to work extra hard to get myself up the Austin hills (we do live in the 'Hill Country' here). I can tell you that I resented that wind. It made me cranky and (obviously) it made my tired legs more tired and there was some serious gasping going on as well.

What I found interesting, though, is that when I was running with the wind at my back, it didn't feel like much of a wind. Just a little push in the right direction.

And that's when I had the epiphany. It's just like life. When we are running against the wind, and things are hard, we are totally aware of the opposition. We are frustrated by it, we are tired by it, and it makes us want to give up.

But when that wind is at our back, gently pushing us along our chosen path? We rarely notice it. And that's my point. I want to be aware of that wind at my back, gently moving me along the path of my life. I want to be aware and I want to be grateful.

I have so much to appreciate and to be grateful for, and this Thanksgiving month is a great time to reflect on that wind that is at my back so much of the time.

10 comments:

Jill said...

I have had those same thoughts (well, not that part where you got all deep), but when I'm running with the wind I can't even tell it's there, and then I turn around to run back home and it feels like I'm running against a hurricane. I love all of your thoughts...keep them coming for me!

Natalie Scott said...

Jan, this may be your best one yet. I LOVE this analogy...it is so, so true.

Love YOU even more!

Carrie and Nathan said...

Well said. I'm impressed...the only things I can manage to think about when running (or the lack of running) are the things I need to do, take care of, etc. Thanks for sharing this!

Jori said...

I don't even think I could walk 4 miles Jan. you are an inspiration in so many ways. xoxo

Unknown said...

you're so smart, mama!!!

hoLLy said...

i'm with jori :) i can't run none :) lol beautiful analogy jan!! love your posts always.

Emily said...

such a wonderful thought. love this post!

Logan said...

Loved this. :)

Unknown said...

This was a wonderful post. It made me reflect on what life is really about. It is sometimes hard when you have been awake all night with a crying baby. I am glad I stumbled upon this post.

Marilee said...

I love your thoughts on the wind at your back. And yes, southern Alberta winds would NOT be fun to run against. How can you?