That being said, while I was looking for today's Momentum Monday quote, I came upon this one and know how true it is for me and how I wish I'd had time to do this during the weekend, I might feel a bit better than I do today.
Yet when I run, there seems to be a clarity that comes with it. An ability to analyze, categorize, and file away the information in my head so that I can deal with it in an orderly fashion, rather than it all bombarding me at the same time. That bombardment is what overwhelms me, when I have to deal with everything at once instead of picking it apart and analyzing it. Running helps me to do just that and maybe could have helped me this weekend.
I would like to run tonight, but I won't be able to because I have a doctors appointment to talk about my "condition", something I am preparing myself to open up to you about. It's not something I can keep secret for much longer and I want to be honest with you about what is going on in my life and why certain things are happening the way they are.
So much stress and uncertainty in life, it can all get a little overwhelming at times. It's gotten to the point that now when I'm stressed, at the end of the day I don't say "I need a glass of wine", I say "I need to go for a run". A better and healthier way to deal with the stress, right?
Now it's your turn: Does running help you deal with the chaos in your head when you're stressed?
Hands down YES!, running completely helps to clear the chaos. Before I started running, I would vent my frustrations to a friend. Sometimes it's appropriate, but after I started running I realized the friendship was toxic. I was never able to let go of any frustrations, we would talk and pick over constantly and nothing ever seemed to be resolved. Our friendship was challenged w an ethical dosagreement and as I ran more, I realized the friendship was not healthy for me (or her). Running is so much healthier to process stress and frustrations and feelings of being overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that you were able to figure that out. I think it's interesting when we depend on people or groups to help us with our issues and that relationship becomes toxic and we don't know until we have removed ourselves from that situation. Kudos to you!
DeleteOh, Lena! My prayers are with you, and I am thinking about you! Running definitely allows for a release, and I am glad to know that it give you some clarity and peace in a tumultuous time. That is, as you know, how I came into running, to soothe my mind, and provide me some peace in a time of chaos. While the hurt does not go away, and the chaos still persists, I am so grateful that running provides me the structure to deal with what is happening. I am sure you feel very much the same way! Please let me know if I can do anything, or provide you with any support. I know we have never met, but I feel like we have been friends for a long time and I am here for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support Kristine, it means more than you know!
DeleteOh, heck yes. My father-in-law just died and my son is going to college in 9 days. I run because it makes me realize how little I can control things aside from how I respond to the chaos. I'm an alcoholic in recovery, and running is so much better a way for me to achieve clarity and calm than obliterating it with booze ever was.
ReplyDeleteI hope your doctor visit goes well. Sending you positive thoughts.
Wow...that is great. Major kudos to you for being able to find a way to deal with the chaos in a more constructive way for you. That is so great!
DeleteThank you for the positive thoughts. :)
I moved across the country and had a huge health issue in the same week. I ran through my treatments and it has made me a stronger person.
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing of you, Bethany! To be able to be strong enough to carry on running through treatment, you are an inspiration!
DeleteI'm sorry about your grandparents. My grandfather is declining in health and it's tough when he doesn't recognize me or isn't quite all there. :/ I just try to remember better times and what an amazing life he's had thus far.
ReplyDeleteAs for running, it really does keep me sane. I literally feel like all the stress is left behind when I get out there. But I haven't mastered the art of running instead of having that glass of wine. ;)
I hope everything went well at the doctors. :)
I am sorry to hear about your grandfather, it's tough to see them in that state. I try to remember my grandmother when she was younger and how sharp she was, it always makes me smile.
DeleteHahahah...oh I still like to enjoy the glass of wine, I just try to have that after the run. ;)
Yes! Keeps me sane, clears my head out...and I cannot do it right now b/c I'm injured! Wah! I'm sorry about your grandparents, my father had Alzheimers and it was so hard. He died before it got too terrible (about 5 years into it) but so hard to watch. I'm glad that my memories of him now that he's gone tend to be of all the years before that and the impact he had on my life. All the stress and sadness of the Alzheimers kind of washed away eventually and I just remember the good stuff. (sorry! ramble!) 8 days now, right???? I'll be cheering for you and if you get a really hard mile, think of me and how I'm sitting here seething that I have to take a break to heal and push through it for me! ;) I hope the Dr. appointment goes well. ((((Lena))))
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that your memories of him are of all the better times instead of when he was having this issues.
DeleteYes...8 days and I can't wait!!! I will think of you when I'm there and wishing you were there too. Even with your injury, I would have pushed you in a wheelchair to get you through the course! :)
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DeleteHey! I found your blog on the Sweat Pink ambassador page and I think it's great! I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a Liebster award. It acknowledges new blogs and blogs with 200 followers or less. You can check out more details about it on my blog post: http://cakesweat.tumblr.com/post/58797058356/liebster-award.
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming by my blog and for the nomination, Alyson!
DeleteAnytime! Nice to meet you! :)
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