Which Way to Run

It’s a big week in the United States; the inauguration of the 44th President.  There have been a number of speeches and parties over the weekend but everyone is waiting for the swearing in of the President and then that’s when the real work begins (of course once we see what Michelle Obama is wearing to the balls).

It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking about our nation or our bodies, during difficult times we scramble for answers or solutions to the challenges that we face.  It’s sometimes difficult to know if we’re running away from something or running towards something.  When facing a chronic of life-threatening illness, how do we know which way to run?  The answer is simple, always run towards yourself.

You can’t make a bad decision when you decide to take the time to explore who you are.  You can’t go wrong when you choose to explore your passions and your fears.  The time is never wasted when you review the talents you offer the world.  These are all things that many of us take for granted when we’re healthy, but once hit with the diagnosis come into play in a more conscious way.

If you think of trains running on a track there is often a point where there is a switching station.  This is often where a single track becomes a two lane road so trains in opposite directions don’t collide.  There comes a point following the diagnosis when you are faced with that same switching station.  Many following the diagnosis run away from the illness, that’s natural, but there comes a time when you have to make you the priority.  Getting away from the illness can’t be the motivation because we don’t all get to escape the illness.  Running towards the authentic you will allow you to leave the harsh emotional and spiritual aspects of the illness in the dust.  It will provide a level of understanding and comfort you may never have previously experienced.

What actions will you take the allow you to run in a healthier direction?  How will you know when you’ve made the switch from running away from something to running toward something?  How has it changed your perspective on your illness?