Do You Run?

I have been running for several years, in more ways then one! I spent a large part of my years, "running". I didn't know I was "running" at the time and still recognize that this was a part of my journey. I spent some time in California, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and may places in-between. Settling down within general norms was not who I was,, or who I thought I was. Hindsight is 20/20. Living in different locations, meeting new people helped to create an illusion of personal protectiveness and sustained the building of personal walls,. And, more importantly, helped keep me from my authentic self.

Why would we "run" or do any other activities to keep from our authentic self? Why would we buy, spend, drink, drug, over-indulge to keep from our own authenticity? BECAUSE, authenticity, requires us to look in ourselves, look at our upbringing, admit mistakes, admit truth, and it is HARD work. Finding the authentic self can be painful! Authenticity requires consistency, openness, and, truthful talk therapy.

I do still physically run! Physically running has assisted in moving me forward, toward authenticity. Our group, most of the time, runs the same route, with the same people, and will meet at the same time. Running has assisted in creating consistency, accountability, and personal honesty in my life - my authentic self. Of course, there was a LOT of other formal talk-therapy that occurred alongside my running! Has it been painful? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes!

Are you running?