A little guy was struggling to keep up even with a slow pace on our short evening run. My seven-year-old who typically is very outgoing and full of energy just didn’t seem himself. I tried asking him questions to only get short answers and lots of complaining.
I don’t always like to run. Sometimes it’s a struggle. There always seem to be reasons to complain and grumble. It is an important first step to a positive you when you realize that you have a wrong attitude. You know that your heart is just not in the right place. And it is not pretty–neither for you nor those around you.
Your second step is to be honest with yourself and confront the root or your negativity. Are you discontent by comparing yourself to others? You are not as fit and fast as others. You don’t have cool things like others. You don’t have as cool of a job as others. Do you have an unresolved conflict with someone? Were you in the wrong?
Step three–make it right. Make an attempt to resolve the conflict. Even if you don’t resolve it, make it right by giving your best. Just like with running, even when you don’t win the race give it your best. Count your blessings. Often on my runs I try to strengthen not only my body but my attitude of gratitude. I mentally go through things I am grateful for.
After probing my son with questions for awhile, he said with a big sign, “Dad, I think I must have got up from the wrong side of the bed today.” For the next half a mile or so he opened up to me and went on telling me about his day, how it was a bad day and that he was mean to his sister and the babysitter. He told me how it bothered him and how he wanted to make it right.
Running is more than a mere exercise. You can never say for sure where running may take you. Give it a shot! Where has running taken you?
Journeys with Dad 