Over these past few months I have written about my experiences with exercise, and in particular, running. It has been a great time for me as well reliving these memories, and going back through all of the pictures. This will be my final installment of the “In It For The Long Run” series. I have some ideas for some new areas to write on.
No where is it more true when it comes to exercise of any kind, that the hardest part of it all is mental. Trying to convince yourself that you can do it. For me, running has taught me to keep moving forward, one step at a time, especially in the most painful moments of my life. It truly is about life’s experiences, and how you as an individual can deal with it. One of my true idols, both as a runner, and as a physician, is Dr. George Sheehan. I have written on him in the past as well. He was a cardiologist by trade, but was an avid runner by choice, and helped set the running boom back in the 1970’s. He has some great quotes, and this one in particular is one of my favorites. “Success means having the Courage, the Determination, and the Will to become the person you believe you were meant to be!” Right on! Words to really focus on , and live by.
Running has taught me so many things. My favorite is that it really is my time to think.
Life moves along at a fast pace, and sometimes you need to sit down and relax, and just spend time thinking, and looking at what is all around you. And, thinking and appreciating everything you already have. That is what running does for me. I can forget all of my problems…it is just me…soaking it all in. It has taught me how to find strength; to remind myself I am strong; to be a positive influence to my family, and my patients; for friendship; because I enjoy a challenge; to get fit with my family, and have even more special family bonds and memories; to deal with life’s challenges; to be the best version of myself; because I’m ALIVE!
Remember to slow down, take the time to “smell the roses”! We all take for granted things in our life, and can go on and on and totally miss out on what is right in front of us! We have all done it, me included. Appreciate the little things in life, because in the end, it is what makes things big in our life.
Enjoy the things in life right in front of us. Don’t take anything for granted, for one day we won’t be here anymore. Help pass that point of motivation on to everybody else you come in contact with. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying everything in life is just “peachy”…we all have setbacks, bad days, challenges in our life. But what defines things more is how we handle them. How do we adapt and overcome. Our biggest obstacle is our mind, and if we truly believe we can, we are halfway there with everything in life.
We all truly need to work on making the Rest of Our Life, The Best of Our Life! Never give up on yourself. If you can’t depend on yourself, it makes it that much more difficult to depend on someone else! I hope all of these posts help hit some points home for all of you reading them. If you have any particular areas you would like me to discuss, let me know! Just remember, keep moving everybody! Stay IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2977