Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” This has been my mantra ever since I started running. Actually, I started running by walking, and then by walking a half marathon. And then I started running because walking was taking too long, or at least that was my opinion at the time. But who is to say that something takes “too” long? The Byrds sang “To everything there is a season, and to every time a purpose.” (well sort of, I’m paraphrasing here.) It was just a perception I had and I wanted to move faster. Now, some days I run faster and some slower. Some days I don’t run at all and just walk. And again, there are different paces of walking. Sometimes I walk briskly and with purpose, and sometimes I just saunter along smelling (or taking pictures of) all the flowers along the way. But the important thing, as Confucius said, is that I keep going.
Life is just like running. Yup, it really is! Sometimes you find your life racing along at a blistering pace. Sometimes, things move more slowly. Sometimes you seek a change of speed—either faster or slower depending on your mood. See where I’m going here? In life as well, the important thing is that you keep going.
Almost all of us have been staying at home for more than a month now. Some of us have been home close to two months already. Those essential workers who do leave the house have been working long hours under stressful conditions. But it is important you keep going. Keep getting out of bed. Keep getting dressed (and showering! Reminder: don’t forget to shower!). Keep preparing healthy meals. Keep shopping for healthy snacks to have around the house. Keep staying in touch with friends and loved ones. Keep working on projects that motivate you. Keep planning for the future. It does not matter how slowly you do these things, as long as you do not stop.
And, back to running, join me for a run or walk Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9:30am PST/12:30pm EST and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm PST/8pm EST. Keep moving. Stay active. As Confucius said, it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Women in Motion (WIM) Run the World 