FACT: I am a social exerciser – it is true. I have always enjoyed conversations and frankly I need something to take my mind off of the task at hand. My socialization becomes my distraction from thinking about how much I don’t like what I’m doing.
Well, more than a few times this summer I have been left with a choice: to enjoy the comforts of my soft bed or go outside and be welcomed by no one other than the rising sun. I am not going to lie – most of the times that I chose to get up and run solo were long and mentally painful. It became 45 minutes of me being too aware of my irregular breathing patterns and crunchy footsteps.
But today was different. Not different in that I wanted to lie in my soft, warm bed instead of getting up to run, but that the time spent was lovely and went by quickly. Today I was able to listen and be calm. I felt peace. I needed that. The sun and I had a good wordless talk. As I ran I put lots of band aides on my problems and it became a therapeutic and healing moment.
Things I want to remember from running with my self today:
1. I need to take at least 30 minutes of my day, everyday, to NOT talk, but to LISTEN and think without being interrupted. Reflect. Learn. Pray. Satan’s best way to keep me from doing the BEST things in life are distraction, being overwhelmed, and business. It seems that unless I conscientiously fight to make the important stuff happen, “life” with suck up every minute of my time until I go to bed realizing that I slipped up yet again. So watch out Satan I know your tricks on me, and I’m not going to have it anymore!
2. People pleasing is like walking a fine line. Sometimes it is good to please people, but like anything it can be taken too far. Balance is key with people pleasing. I have inherited the “people pleasing” gene and sometime the mark can get out of whack. As I think about this idea personally or collectively, I am left with these thoughts. I could write a book on this subject alone, but will leave it unwritten right now.
3. My mom heart needs to turn often to being more calm and more gentle and more understanding. Less critical, less caught up in business, less intent on daily regiment. I tend to notice mom’s who speak softly, take an extra moment to cuddle, or smile/laugh unconditionally through the ups and downs of being a mother. I notice them – they are my inspiration. I want to be MORE like them.
4. Live like you believe. The last song on my i phone shuffle today was “Live like you believe“. The words of the first verse & chorus wrap up all of my thoughts this morning perfectly:
“You have felt the warmth of the fire. You have seen a glimmer of light. It’s something that you have been missing inside, something that you have been longing to find. Hold on to the yearning and wherever you are on the journey.”
CHORUS: Live like you believe. Live like you know. it’s one sure way your faith will grow. Listen to your heart. Search in your soul and you’ll find the strength that you need. His light, the gift of His peace when you live like you believe.”