Stepping out of your comfort zone….
Each day I lace up my running shoes and head out for a 3.3 mile run. Running was not a sport activity I excelled at in public school, nor was it something I enjoyed while waking up at 5am to run in the military. Come rain, snow, heat or high winds, we always ran outside during my military service. As the cold wet snow would strike my face, I used to think, “This is awful. Why did I sign up for this?” However, now, after approximately 28 years of continued running for my health, I have gained so much knowledge regarding how to persevere through life.
It would take maturity before I realized that running daily in the military provided me with a lifelong skill. I became aware that the most rewarding and transformative changes in my life occurred when I stepped out of my comfort zone. Essentially, my running endurance, growth and development came when the runs were the most uncomfortable. It never failed that as a unit, we would always “Take the hill.” And, it seemed like the largest hill. As my eyes would catch sight of the hill, I would begin to feel a gut feeling that I was not capable of this task. However, to my amazement, each climb to the top of hill changed my method of thinking from, “I can’t! to I can!” I was able to see what I could truly achieve when comfort was set aside, and I simply took the hill.
Suggestion:
Just recently, I have applied the running fundamentals to my spiritual life and have also seen real reward, benefits, and growth.
Running fundamentals Spiritual Growth
Create a goal (Attend Mass daily / pray a daily rosary)
Be equipped with the proper gear according to the weather conditions (e.g. shoes, reflective gear, jackets, gloves, hats) Carry the essentials (rosary, bible, or religious books)
Always warm up Wait till you are awake by eating, drinking water of a cup of coffee to give your full attention to Christ
Begin at a slow pace and finish strong (Preserve your energy) Pray for 5 minutes daily and then extend the time as you develop endurance
Gauge yourself to avoid exertion Know when to rest and avoid burn out (Christ sees all your efforts and also reminds us to rest)
Allow yourself to mindfully build your self-esteem through positive self-talk while running Learn to guide yourself with positive self-talk and confidence in God’s plan for your life.
Keep your eye on the prize Reminder to store treasures in Heaven rather than on Earth
No excuses Life also brings discomfort. Perseverance is key for a solid relationship with Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given us the ability to love you more and more each day. Help us to see how life tasks can be applied to our growth with you. Help us to persevere even as life becomes uncomfortable. May we always put our trust in you and seek to store treasures in Heaven rather than on earth. In your name, we pray. Amen. By Isabel Anderson
Love thy neighbor as thyself 