Eclectically_Me

Running Can Be Hazardous to Your Sense of "Self"

• By Eclecticallyme
• July 14, 2012
• No Comments

Usually when one runs it is for just cause. I honestly cannot think of a situation where a person is running without purpose. Running away from a serial killer is just cause for running. Running a marathon is just cause. Running to be embraced by the love of your life that has just returned home safely from their tour of duty is also just cause. Running for the sole reason of being fit is another one. Running down your neighborhood block sans clothing because you’ve just hit the $500 million dollar Mega Millions Lottery, is definitely a reason to run. These are all legitimate reasons for which people run.

The scenarios that I’ve laid out before you are literal. But the type of running that sparks my brain plugs is the running that we do figuratively. We’ve all done it at some point in our lives. Hell it’s probably a hobby for some of you. I personally have run from a many of things. There many of things and people who I should have run from but didn’t. Running whether figuratively or literally; either way it is all done with cause and for purpose.

There is always a destination, a new place, something unseen or felt, at the completion of a run. When running in a race our destination is the finish line. Upon approaching and crossing the finish line, the feeling you feel is like no other. I know this I ran track in high school. I wasn’t as great as I could have been because I didn’t want to put forth the effort to be great… But I digress. But what about the things we’re running from in life? I believe there are 3 very popular things people have been known to run from. They are: Responsibility, Challenge, and Change.  I’m sure you’re all well acquainted with these three. I’m also even surer that you know someone who is a championed runner in those areas. Or maybe you yourself are the sprinter? Whatever the case may be I’m here to tell you to STOP.

Running away is only acceptable in these scenarios:

• Michael Myers is after you. (Michael is real ya’ll. I know it)
• A masked murderer is after you. (oh wait that’s Michael Myers too)
• A very vicious dog is chasing you.
• The devil is trying to be your friend.
• Oh yea, and my 1 5-month old after she’s charged-up fresh off a nap. No seriously, you should probably run.

When we run from things there isn’t that amazing feeling of accomplishment waiting for us at the finish line. That is unless you’re running from anything in the bulleted list above. Saving your life from imminent death is a pretty huge feat. In fact there is no finish line when running from something. Truth is you’re likely to meet up with that very same thing or person again. And when this does happen-and it will-I implore you to stand still and face it.

Instead of pounding those feet on the pavement by running away, try standing still. Stand still and face whatever the situation may be. If its responsibility, learn to accept it and own it. If it’s a challenge, accept it and give your best effort at it. If it’s change, accept it and learn to adapt to it. And if it’s love you’re running from, accept it and embrace it for goodness-sake. It is better to save your energy by standing still, rather than to drain yourself by continuously running from the same things. Look at it like this; the things you’re running from are likely chasing you for a reason. A purpose. You won’t know the reason if you keep running. Stand still.

Love all around