"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” ~Thomas Merton
It's taken me my entire existence on this earth to make some sense of this mystery we call life. For so many years I've struggled with the unknown and the constant fight of life's daily battles. Going to bed restless as my mind won't shut off. My internal alarm clock forcing me to wake up long before the day should begin. As a kid and even now, I lie awake thinking there is more to this crazy world. I have come to realize that that 'more' I so desperately craved was right in front of me, every moment of every day. It's the simple things. The time spent with family and friends, warm summers, crisp fall air and the changing of the leaves. It's the rising moon, the rain, the snow, the setting sun and the birds flying free in the sky. It's finding yourself on a trail that takes your breath away. In these simple moments you realize how beautiful life really is.
These simple pleasures have always existed; yet the paths we all travel are cluttered with distractions, with unnecessary noise by the very 'things' we think we can't live without. This in turn has affected the way we process and internalize happiness, leaving us to believe that it's the way life is supposed to be. We strive to stay connected by any means possible. An updated Facebook post, or a text. We have forgotten basic human interaction; the simple gesture of a hand shake, a hug or physical presence. These simple means of connecting are what makes the soul smile creating lasting memories of what's important in life. No post or terxt can give you the substance of presence.
Finding true self happiness in this life without question remains at the forefront for most everyone. I realize happiness means something different for you or I. Yet the mere thought of it is refreshing and keeps you wanting more. It's that positive light we all seek, making us feel like a kid again. It helps knowing your life lived to this very moment, whether it has been bad or good, is behind you pushing you forward. It reminds you to embrace each moment as you put one foot in front of the other.
Many things can add to finding such happiness. It’s up to all of us to find it. Don’t get me wrong, I am not dismissing my family and all my life events to this point as not contributing to happiness. I’m talking about a connection to ones self that many truly never find or experience. I’m talking about self discovery, my self discovery. The Love of the Run has done just that. The run redirects your focus, breathing life back into what’s important. It has a way of calming the mind and freeing your spirit.
In the beginning it was all about the time it took me to finish the distance I wanted to reach. It seemed impossible then, but the more I did it the more it became clear that I was the one holding myself back. From training, nutrition and the fear of the unknown of just how far I could push myself. Little did I know over coming those limits had a purpose.
Photo credit: Candy Hernandez. Picture of Keegan and I taken right after finishing a 148.88 mile run across Michigan in 2014 all for Team Keegan and to help kids with cancer. Nothing was going to stop me, not even a pulled groin or an achilles flare up. This run was more then a personal goal. It was about giving back and helping kids with cancer. This run set so many things in motion for me on so many levels.
That purpose drove me to secretly want more, not worrying about what I had to do to reach my goals. Each distance I would run gave me the confidence to run further. Setting goals and crushing mental barriers. It became less about being fast and more about taking the time to breath. Reaching that moment of clarity, the Ah-ha, it feels like nothing can stop you. These thoughts flirt with selfishness, yet become necessary to stay motivated in life. Don't ever be afraid to challenge yourself or others for what truly makes you happy. The run teaches you to push yourself, to test your strength, and find an inner peace that keeps you happy. The run-like in life- has deeper meaning and is unpredictable. With this unpredictability comes balance, order, rhythm and harmony.
A big part of why I run is to stay connected to life. Family, friends and the people who choose to support what I love to do make all the difference. Now a days you can find me on the trails. I run less to run more. I am just as happy running 1 mile as I am running 100 miles. All I need is my Orange Mud and my LUNA Sandals. Stay motivated everyone and keep on enjoying the Love of The Run :)