Running, I wonder what happened to my urge to run? I am watching my dog, Gunner, run across the sparkly white snow of the golf course. The early December sun warms my face ever so gently. He looks weightless as he flies across the snow. His posture, the expression on his face and the way he playfully leaps through the air all indicate to me that he is enjoying the run very much. In contrast, I’m slugging it every step of the way. I feel heavy in my boots and big coat as I cross the snow laden path. What happened to that young girl who used to love to run, to go from place to place never thinking about walking? Why have I stopped running?

My thoughts drift to all the times I tried to take up running as an adult. I always found it difficult to keep up the routine. Shame and disappointment rush back as I remember how hard it was to maintain the discipline and of not being able to fulfill my goals, of not being good enough. The only time that I run these days is if I am late and rushing for something. There is no joy in this kind of running, only stress. As I watch Gunner, I realize he doesn’t have any deadlines, objectives or goals that he’s trying to achieve. He’s not trying to get slim or attain great legs, hard abs or a firm butt. He is just having fun!

Within all the expectations I placed around running, I lost track of the beautiful light and free feeling of moving my body swiftly through time and space. I use to wonder what motivated runners to get up in the wee hours of the morning to run. I assumed it had something to do with trying to stay fit and healthy. But, does it also have to do with the pure joy of being present in their physical bodies? What if I look at running from this new  perspective? What if I sprint with Gunner to simply feel what it is like and not worry about how far or how long I go? Maybe I’ll try that just for the pure joy of it!! Can I forget about setting goals and leave behind ‘shoulds’ and the fear of failure for a little while?

In my work, I’m always trying to follow my passion. I actually help people do what they love for a living. I’ve learned that when we do something for the pure joy of it, everything shifts. Our thoughts and emotions about what we are doing can take on a very different energy. This affects our overall well being. When I am naturally drawn to do a task for the pure joy of it, like writing this blog article, I feel alive, aligned and peaceful.

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P.S. I wrote this article while I was walking in the woods and it motivated me. So, for the rest of the time I ran with Gunner. He loved it! I loved it! It felt amazing! The cold air on my face, the rush of my pulse and the speed and freedom made me feel like a kid again.

Now I am off to do more of what I love – my work! Oh yeah, this is my ‘work’ – to remind you to follow your bliss!:)

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