Going the Distance

Bare with me here ladies and gents, this whole summer time thing is pretty distracting. My weekly goal obviously hasn’t taken precedence, but it will…SOON. I promise. More than likely once school starts, and I get those creativity vibes back in full force, right now it’s that sunshine, man. As of now each of you lucky people get to deal with my spontaneity because 1. it’s fun to keep you guessing, and 2. NOT ONE OF US IS PERFECT. So as previously mentioned this was a post that was supposed to be put up a while back, and you’ll soon find out why. Instead I’ve been adding, erasing, and crossing out — I’d like to say that’s the beauty of writing though. Enjoy my loves.

Right off the bat I would like all of you to turn on “The Distance” by Cake. Think of what it may mean to you, find some sort of relation to it because that’s the song that gave me my inspiration. I recently took part in the Fargo Marathon, and put my body through something not many choose to (no that’s not bragging). As a matter of fact, I’ve gotten called crazy more times than I can count because of it. 26.2 miles though? To me you just do it, and brush it off in the end. This year was a lot more challenging for me, and there were numerous times out on that course that I just wanted to give up, to lose faith, to lose hope.BUT at the same time this year was also an eye opener for me, and I actually learned a few things I hadn’t really acknowledged before — that is what I want to share with you.

Strenuous moments, whether positive or negative, cause you to enter into a completely clear state — almost a feeling of oblivion. This moment is freaky because I can only attempt at explaining it, you’re at a state of defeat yet achievement, your mind is racing yet empty, you’re relaxed yet completely tense. In this moment you tend to ignore the presence of negativity, you get a burst of energy, you don’t feel the pain, and you just keep going even if the end isn’t in sight. This is something I think everyone should experience at some point in their lives because it is so powerful, it opens your mind yet gives you a sense of total relaxation. Someone doesn’t have to run to get this feeling, just find something you love and act on it.

Resiliency always leads to strength. You have to learn to be strong no matter how hard it can be at times, be resilient to the negativity that tries to push itself into your life — try is putting it nicely, negativity WILL come into your life. This helps you keep your mind at ease, which in turn beats down those negative thoughts — they might not even be as bad as you may see. Everyone sees these happenings differently, your bad day or experience probably isn’t the same as what another would consider. Make sure to check yourself daily, ensure you’re being resilient to all happenings — the more resilient you become, the stronger you become. I hate to use the cliche phrase, but strength really is beauty and yes, I’m focusing on the emotional side. Come on now guys. Maintaining the ability to keep your cool is an attribute all should acquire that I cannot stress enough. Minimizing the negativity in your life is key because eventually it will ALL seem minimal.

Insecurities, fears, worries, and questions you want answers to may come to the surface, but eventually subside. Your mind is both an enemy and your savior. When you’re in a weak state, or feeling vulnerable it seems like everything comes rushing in. Insecurities about yourself or life, your fears, your worries, questions that have been going unanswered. The mind is a crazy thing, and in this instant is it trying to break you down or cause you to deal with the negativity in your life you have more than likely been suppressing? We will never know, we can only learn. I know I’m still asking myself what this means — there were points that day and still are in day to day life when I’ve felt so beaten down, and my mind has me at it’s advantage. Negativity will always find a way to surface, it’s merely a matter of how you choose to deal with it that leads to clarity in your life.

The recognition of each of these things throughout that day really opened my eyes to say the least. As I said at the beginning, not one of us is perfect, and I know for sure I’m not — the funny thing is, I’m still working on each and every one of the previously mentioned topics. Why? Because life is all about growth, becoming who you’re supposed to be, and in turn inspiring others to become who they’re supposed to be. And that, right there, is what I’m trying to do for each and every one of you. The secret? Just remember to breathe. Life appears to be long, but it’s quite short. It has the ability to go by faster than you may think, so hold on tight. “He’s going the distance, he’s going for speed, she’s all alone, all alone in her time of need.”