All of life is a path with beginning, a middle and an end: a past, a present and a future. Most paths, especially the most interesting ones, twist and turn, though sometimes there are long, straight stretches. And most paths fork, now and again, with each fork presenting an option, and each option resulting in a different set of consequences and possibilities.
Right now, my path feels new and challenging. There have been many days in the past couple months when I’ve felt disoriented by unfamiliar terrain, unsure of my footing, or off track altogether. Even the trajectory of a single day, with unpredictable ups, downs and blind curves, can feel hard to navigate and leave me a little bit breathless.
I hadn’t been running since we got back to Bainbridge, but today I was a little on edge and itchy to get out, so finally snuck in a run around our neighborhood. The day was brilliant, warm and sunny—but not hot—and just being outside was an immediate comfort. I decided to start left, instead of my usual right, and picked a straight route down South Beach Drive. It felt good to be able to to choose my route, and it occurred to me soon after I started: when I run, it’s up to me to set a pace, and whether or not alter my path. When I run on Bainbridge I always know where I’m headed, where the hills are, and how long it will take to get back home. I can choose whether to listen to music or to my surroundings; I can decide to listen to my feet hit the ground and even to my own breathing as I run.
On this day, with its own set of forks, hills and valleys, it was a powerful, calming, then joyful thing, to venture along my path with my eyes wide open and on my own terms. Just like that, I’m back on track.
Today, my path is my joy. #joyinplace
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