A record of the incessant and trivial chatter running through my head.
I Have a Super-Power
This morning I was reading this article by Peter Sagal. In the article he describes running like “a super-power that most people don’t need.” He describes the venture as “useless” and goes on to explain:
In the modern world, it gives us no competitive advantage, no marketable skill, no way of earning our keep, and hasn’t since we invented agriculture and no longer needed to run down our prey. . .it creates nothing except an unpleasant aroma around the breakfast table once I return home. In contrast, my wife’s hobbies include knitting, sewing, cooking, and playing music, so that if our family were stranded on a desert island, she’d be able to handle the necessities and entertainment, and I would be reduced to occasionally running around the island to make sure it hadn’t somehow reattached itself to land.
I laughed when I read these lines, because I know they are true. Running gives back nothing, offers nothing, and ultimately produces nothing spectacular for the world. Sometimes, I feel guilty for taking the time to run at the cost of doing something else–like Mom duty things.
However, for as long as I am able, I will lace up my running shoes and head out the door. Why? There is just something about it. Something that clears my mind and opens my heart. When I hit the road in the silence of the morning. . . all seems right with the world. It truly does feel like a super power. Somehow, the sound of my breathing and the pounding of the pavement makes every problem seem solvable, every fear appear irrational, and every dream seem possible. My dad used to tell me, “Running will never lie to you.” It’s true. . . it doesn’t. Running reveals to me exactly what it is that I have inside. . . and I have discovered that it’s more than I ever knew.
I run while I’m pregnant. Some people think I’m crazy and others think I’m irresponsible. I, on the other hand, take great pride that each of my children’s first running partner was their Mom. (Even if they weren’t really running.)
Now, five years later my heart swells as I watch my little guy as he slips his shoes on and hits the track to experience his own running adventure. I watch with pride as he learns that he can do things that he didn’t think he could do. I wonder. . . will he share my passion?
He may not share my passion and I am more than okay with that. But my hope for him is that he will find his passion. That he might find that thing that makes him come alive and feel like he truly does have a super-power.
I believe we all have that something. That thing that makes our spirits soar and our bodies come alive.
I think running is a great hobby. It teaches self-discipline and self-confidence. …and anything that helps you clear your head and put life in perspective (especially as a parent)is a great activity. Happy Mama = Happy Family.ReplyCancel
I love this, Sum — I love that you know your passions and you pursue them, unbridled. (And, of course, that you write about them so beautifully!)
My passion is writing — really writing, not writing for work or hurriedly throwing together a blog post. Sitting down with a blank page and unlimited time to just think and dream and WRITE. Those moments have been few and far between lately. Thanks for reminding me that I need to make MY passions a priority, too. 🙂
what makes me feel alive is spending time with people i love and enjoy. i long for that feeling of being "full" inside (there is no words to describe it). i selfishly wish for time to stop when i am chatting away the minutes and hours over nothing and something all at once. i love spontaneous tears – of joy and pain. i love being with the people i love.
you being one of them.
and i NEVER tire of seeing little C's tongue hanging out of his mouth! love his little tennis shoes, too.ReplyCancel
Adopted aunt -June 8, 2011 - 12:49 am
I think its great that you have that drive/passion to do what you need to do. ESP if it helps you think things thru. I am proud of you and cheer you on each step of the way. Watching Charlie run his fastest and doing other things was great. He was so proud but so was his sister of him. You always describe everything so beautifully. Hey as long as doc says run, run. I love to read, to write, to be with those who love me just as i am and the same with me. I love to decorate, to take naps:). I love two little/big kids who come running with big smiles when they see me:). Wonder who those are. I love tx and three special people there. God has blessed meReplyCancel
I think running is a great hobby. It teaches self-discipline and self-confidence. …and anything that helps you clear your head and put life in perspective (especially as a parent)is a great activity. Happy Mama = Happy Family.
I love this, Sum — I love that you know your passions and you pursue them, unbridled. (And, of course, that you write about them so beautifully!)
My passion is writing — really writing, not writing for work or hurriedly throwing together a blog post. Sitting down with a blank page and unlimited time to just think and dream and WRITE. Those moments have been few and far between lately. Thanks for reminding me that I need to make MY passions a priority, too. 🙂
Love you, friend.
what makes me feel alive is spending time with people i love and enjoy. i long for that feeling of being "full" inside (there is no words to describe it). i selfishly wish for time to stop when i am chatting away the minutes and hours over nothing and something all at once. i love spontaneous tears – of joy and pain. i love being with the people i love.
you being one of them.
and i NEVER tire of seeing little C's tongue hanging out of his mouth! love his little tennis shoes, too.
I think its great that you have that drive/passion to do what you need to do. ESP if it helps you think things thru. I am proud of you and cheer you on each step of the way. Watching Charlie run his fastest and doing other things was great. He was so proud but so was his sister of him. You always describe everything so beautifully. Hey as long as doc says run, run. I love to read, to write, to be with those who love me just as i am and the same with me. I love to decorate, to take naps:). I love two little/big kids who come running with big smiles when they see me:). Wonder who those are. I love tx and three special people there. God has blessed me
Ah, I love this.
Alive?
When I write…
After a workout…
When Lila grabs my hand and walks with me…
Dancing with my husband…
Hmmm…
This is a good one.
How cute is he!!! Love the pics! You sure have that "special" eye when it comes to photography! I may need a lesson or two from you. 🙂
and you know what my passion is….Singing!!!!