We are all running from something. All of us. Every single one … whether we want to admit it or not.
What we run from, or how hard, or how fast, or how long, may differ; but we’re all in motion. Some of us are running from failed jobs, or failed relationships, or dreams that didn’t come true. Others are actually running from their dreams, afraid to really grasp who and what they want to be, in their most secret and desperate inner selves.
Often, it takes a long time to figure out who we really are in this life, and to turn and face ourselves and our past, without excuse or encumbrance. To stand and fully accept all that we have been, all that we are, and all that we can be. To find some sort of peace, and to ease up a bit on our running. Some will get there. Some never will. Fate is not kind to everyone.
I don’t know how to get you to where you need to go, but I do know this: CrossFit, by its very nature, seems to be a Land of Second Chances. Our community is filled with people who put down one dream and picked up another. We teem with folks who said, “Yeah, that didn’t work, but I think this might.” Our optimism for ourselves — and this world — looms large, like some rising light coming up over the hill. By our very nature, we look at the functionality of what we’re doing, and figure out how we can purposively and smartly get to where we want to be. All methods and objects are in play, but we will only use that which works. Performance matters more than history. Output demands more respect than claims. Proof rules all.
I guess what I’m saying is that if you’re running and you think you’re out of chances in any part of your life, well, you have one more. Get in the gym and get moving there, in that space. Whether you’re new to this CrossFit world, or a veteran, you have the ability to see brilliant possibilities for yourself every day. But, first, you must start running in the right direction, and you must open your eyes.
(Image courtesy of Nicole Bedard Photography.)
