Home Again, Home Again

I recently was back to my old stomping grounds for a few weeks. I mean that quite literally because I went for a run in my old neighborhood. I enjoyed putting my legs through their paces on paths well-travelled over the years, but I wasn’t ready for the remarkable thing that happened while I was running. My mind began wandering back to the time when I first began walking then in 2005 running the hills around my home. My old stomping grounds reminded me just how much I loved running those hills and those trails, but I was also reminded of the many things in my life I had left on the trail, so to speak.

• I recovered from three surgeries eager to find my stride as soon as I could.
• I pushed myself when I was dealing with anemia or other ravages due to Crohn’s disease.
• I bounced-back from cracked ribs after a snowboarder careened into me and sent me skyward.
• I built-up bone strength even with osteoporosis at my side.
• I healed my heart when it was hurting over my husband’s Cancer journey.
• I soothed my soul as I mourned the loss of friends or family.
• I overcame fears I might have had.
• I strengthened my body and strengthened the peace within.
• I rejoiced in the changes of the seasons.
• I discovered and restored my sense of self.
• I evaluated choice, prepared for change, and surrendered control.
• I found the words to write and publish my blog and most recently my book, It Is What It Is.

While I can’t remember how many running shoes I've worn out on those old stomping grounds, I do remember the feelings I have worked through, what I left on the trail, and more importantly what I gained. I always felt as if those roads and trails were mine since I saw them in a more physical and intimate way rain, snow, or shine. They will always be my stomping grounds whether I live there or not, and I'll always feel at one with this area - after all, we have a history! One thing that stuck with me as a few of the neighbors drove by during my recent run was that I tried to wave and smile at everyone no matter how I was feeling - just in case they needed the recognition that they mattered, and in those moments, mattered more than what I was going through.

Michelle

On the trail photo courtesy of DaMClark's