Sometimes, I don’t know if I am running away from something or running towards something.–Jennifer Hartwell

I had this discussion with a friend last summer when I was pouring over the decision to leave the old job and change trajectory in my career. Probably way too much overthinking going on. Probably reading into things too much. Cause, well, that’s what I always do. The pros and the cons. The good and the bad. The options. The drawbacks and the downsides. The opportunities and the excitement. Well, you all know how the story turned out. I took the job. And it’s been for the better. This was a win.

We are on vacation, and just because we are on vacation doesn’t mean I quit my morning routine. So there is coffee and quiet time, then running and cool-down. Last year, when I was running these same island roads, I was desperately trying to decide what to do with my life. And this year, well, it all seems so much clearer. More settled. All of that consternation then seems so unnecessary now.

I see lots of moms and dads out with their kiddos on bikes and tag-a-longs and trailers; there are young moms and spry grandmas out walking the grandbaby all cuddled up in the stroller; there are runners of every shape and size and speed, but they are all running in the thick Southern early morning, before the heat gets too oppressive. And I wonder if they are running away…or running toward. Are they starting their run, or finishing? Are they experienced or are they rookies? Are they deep in thought about something heavy on their hearts? Are they seeking new adventure or running away from the past? Do they have memories of things that were heavy and painful? Or do they have their sights set on a bright and thrilling future? I’ll never know.

But what I do know, is that sometimes it doesn’t matter if we are running away or running toward, but simply that we are running. That we are moving. That we choose action over in-action. That we choose forward, regardless of all of the reasons we come up with not to, while we are over-thinking some things. That we choose to lace up our shoes and choose to put one foot in front of the other; to move; to embrace the breathtaking ride; to be at peace with even a short run/walk/ride/swim; that any movement is better than no movement; that the view from the field is better than the view from the sidelines. To engage in this life, to live it, to love it, to dive-in to it, to try; all of that movement is better than refusing to move forward. Ultimately, life is way too short to stay still.

When I run, I take in the scenery. Both the new and the familiar. The run reminds me what I am capable of and the pavement I leave behind is my little badge of honor. And in this gorgeous life, we must do the same. Keep running. Keep moving forward.

Sometimes, I don’t know if I am running away from something or running towards something. Sometimes, I don’t think it matters, just so long as I am running forward.–Jennifer Hartwell

Disclaimer: My viewpoints are not necessarily reflective of my employer, or any local, regional or national organization that I belong to. As a matter of fact, I pretty much just speak for myself. Please keep that in mind.