The Real Message

This morning I was blessed to run on the leaf covered trails in Western Maryland. About three miles into a sixteen mile run, I was drifting off in thought, caught up in the glistening water of the Potomac, the falling leaves, and the occasional deer that crossed my path.  It should be of no surprise that my focus was not on the terrain. As a result, my left foot hit a rock and I went flying face first into a combination of leaves and smaller rocks. At first I thought to myself this meant the run is over, but quickly getting that thought out of my mind, I rolled onto my back and looked up at the trees looming overhead. I laid there for a minute, and laughed at this image of me in the middle of the trail on my back staring at the trees overhead. Not dwelling on my bloodied hand or the new bruises forming on my arms, I was happy that I could experience such beauty in nature and from a different vantage point.  It was at that moment that I realized something important. Not only was I going to get up and finish my run, I was going to keep on despite the setback. What might be considered a setback to some and a reason to go home, I looked at it as another opportunity. We all take our bumps and face challenges, but it is how we look at those situations and identify ourselves within them that allow us to grow and move forward.

Driving home from the trail, I was thinking how this applies to Running With Vince in addition to this blog and to my new radio show. The last few weeks have been so busy, especially as a self published author, because one has to constantly be networking and contacting individuals and news outlets to spread the word on the book, all while teaching full time at a boarding school. I reflect on different interviews, especially the ones from this past week, and one thing that I feel is missing is the real message behind the book and to life for that matter. This is also the key to moving forward after experiencing loss because we have to keep one thing in perspective more than others.

At the end of the day, we all have family and friends. There is a level of devotion to these connections and that devotion and commitment is tied to love.  Regardless of whether these relationships are stressed or going strong, love continues to underscore all that happens. Christian and Vincent in my book are more than just brothers who have to redefine their relationship, but spiritual beings who understand that love has no boundaries, time limits, or judgments. I like to think although various dramatic episodes complicate many of our lives, we will remember that love is what binds us together and carries us through in life and in death. 

For those that we grieve, love keeps them close. Each moment, each memory, and with every breath, love is what inspires and breathes life into our being and that is what we should be focusing on.