It was one of the best runs I have had in ages - not because I ran fast, but because a lot of the times while running I find myself. I cried for half the run and didn't care that I was the crazy American girl running through the park taking photos with a tear-streaked face. The past several years have been quite honestly the hardest of my life. I have loved more, hurt more, and learned more about myself (good & bad) than I ever thought possible. I started making decisions based on me and what I want, not what other people want or think I "should" do. I am much better at taking care of other people than myself at times, which has made this process all the more difficult. I do not like to lean on people and ask for help - I do not want to be a burden, and as a result at many times I felt I was a very blessed person with a lot of friends, completely alone. However, I have realized there is no way in hell to make it through life without leaning on each other. And by reaching out to others I have seen so much kindness it is overwhelming. I discovered what true friends are, and I have a lot of them. I learned to let go of those who do not fall into this category and just live life - enjoy myself while life happens around me rather than trying to fight it, trusting I will end up in a good place in the end. I struggle with this last part a lot, as I am used to being able to fix things by working harder on them. I am learning to just BE.
There was lots of green even though the trees are bare.
This section of lake was so calm and I loved it.
Serpentine where the Olympic triathlon was held.
This run didn't solve my problems. But when I was done I felt a lot better because I experienced it. In many ways this is what life is all about - just experience it. Learn from the mistakes and enjoy the ride - because it will be a roller coaster at times and I can guarantee it will never be predictable.
To quote John Lennon ~ "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans."
