I’ve always been a bit clumsy, just a little. Like when I walk around corners sometimes I hit my shoulder on the doorway, or trip over my feet, or slam my hand in the draw. Growing up my dad used to tell me to look where I was going. So I would look down and stare at my feet as the pavement passed by.
But running. Running doesn’t work if you’re staring at your feet the whole time. You’ll miss the whole world around you. You’ll run into other people and other things. You’ll feel slower and every step will be harder. Rather…
You have to look up.
You have to look ahead.
You have to see where you’re going and focus on what’s in the distance, not the next step you’re going to take.
This philosophy of looking ahead rather than down has impacted my entire life… and definitely for the better.
Take this month for example. Due to my egg donation process I’m no longer able to workout for 3 – 4 weeks, which is probably the longest I’ve ever gone without being active. See, the hormones they are giving me make my ovaries super big (much bigger than normal) so I have to be careful because it’s somewhat easier to flip an ovary since they are hulk sized. There’s only a 2% chance BUT I really don’t want to flip one of them and I want to honor and care for my body, not put it in danger.
That means :: For the next month or so no twisting, running, dancing, practicing yoga, or anything else like that. I can walk though. But for me this is a HUGE difference in lifestyle. My life is normally focused on a few things: my loved ones, work, my site, writing, being creative, BodiMojo and being active.
Being active is in my blood so months ago this would have killed me. The inability to work up a sweat, to make my heart race, to feel my abs tone and my legs get stronger – I’d be lost without yoga and running and spinning and zumba. BUT through running I’ve learned to look ahead. To keep my eyes on the distance and let myself slowly arrive rather than looking down and measuring every little step I’ve taken.
Looking ahead lets me focus on the big picture, what really matters, and at this point, it’s taking care of my body and doing everything possible to make the egg donation a success. Because helping my recipient start a family is far more important than a month of working out. Yea, I’m going to miss exercising but I’m focusing on the amazing miracle I am creating for someone else. I’m focusing on treating myself right and giving myself this time to spend time doing other things I enjoy. Like meditation, writing my novel, working on my writing site (in the works), taking long walks, connecting with friends and just being present.
Looking ahead allows you to take it all in. To embrace all of life. To be present. Be mindful. Be authentically you.
And don’t worry if you trip and fall along the way, it’s just another part of the journey. Just brush yourself up and get back up and keep looking ahead. There are beautiful adventures in front of you.
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