Threads of Gold
I was reflecting on the reason why my exercise habits have decreased.
The first time I ran the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon I was so happy. Sure, the training was hard, but I felt motivated and sincerely enjoyed running.
So what happened?
A pattern that I have started to notice more and more in myself is that I spend more time and energy trying to impress other people than I do trying to impress myself. This is what happened to my healthy exercise habits. The second I started feeling like I should exercise and be healthy for other people my motivation took a nose dive.
This evening I was telling myself that I should go out and run. As soon as I thought that I felt that groan of dread inside of me. I stopped and asked myself why I didn't want to run? I really couldn't think of a good reason besides it takes energy. The health benefits of exercising especially running are undeniable. Exercise is good. Duh. When I decided to get out and run because I wanted to treat myself right I was so much more motivated and actually enjoyed it. I realized that this was why I loved the first time I ran the Bryce Half. I did it for myself. In the pursuit of that goal I learned so much and gained so much confidence. Which is vital to my happiness and health.
So this evening on my run I ran through a park. It was about 2 miles into my run. As the scenery changed I looked up at the beautiful mountain that towers over this little Provo valley. The sun was setting, clothing the mountain in gold. It was breath taking. This reminded me of the eternal perspective that is so very healthy for us as God's children. We can be going through the most excruciating pain, emotional or physical, but when we broaden our view we can gain so much wisdom. There is always beauty to be found in life. That's the nature of our Heavenly Father. He gives us tender mercies even in the most trying circumstances.
There is a bigger picture. God loves us and has a plan for each of us.
The first time I ran the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon I was so happy. Sure, the training was hard, but I felt motivated and sincerely enjoyed running.
So what happened?
A pattern that I have started to notice more and more in myself is that I spend more time and energy trying to impress other people than I do trying to impress myself. This is what happened to my healthy exercise habits. The second I started feeling like I should exercise and be healthy for other people my motivation took a nose dive.
This evening I was telling myself that I should go out and run. As soon as I thought that I felt that groan of dread inside of me. I stopped and asked myself why I didn't want to run? I really couldn't think of a good reason besides it takes energy. The health benefits of exercising especially running are undeniable. Exercise is good. Duh. When I decided to get out and run because I wanted to treat myself right I was so much more motivated and actually enjoyed it. I realized that this was why I loved the first time I ran the Bryce Half. I did it for myself. In the pursuit of that goal I learned so much and gained so much confidence. Which is vital to my happiness and health.
So this evening on my run I ran through a park. It was about 2 miles into my run. As the scenery changed I looked up at the beautiful mountain that towers over this little Provo valley. The sun was setting, clothing the mountain in gold. It was breath taking. This reminded me of the eternal perspective that is so very healthy for us as God's children. We can be going through the most excruciating pain, emotional or physical, but when we broaden our view we can gain so much wisdom. There is always beauty to be found in life. That's the nature of our Heavenly Father. He gives us tender mercies even in the most trying circumstances.
There is a bigger picture. God loves us and has a plan for each of us.
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