“Instead of focusing on what’s not ideal, I’m choosing gratitude for what is possible [. . .] Conditions are rarely perfect [. . .] but perfect conditions don’t build the stories worth telling. Better to find a silver lining in the chaos than waste energy wishing for circumstances that don’t exist. Time to embrace the beautiful mess of it all.”

Andy Glaze

Reflections

This quote originated from an Instagram story by Andy Glaze, an ultrarunner, firefighter, father, and all-around inspiring human. I came across him on the Choose Strong podcast hosted by Sally Macrae, a professional ultrarunner for Nike. Andy has run 100 miles every week for the past five years. He’s finished multiple ultramarathons and is a testament to limitless potential. His drive, paired with his energetic and positive demeanor, is a great source of encouragement. Andy exemplifies living life to the fullest.

After several months of following an ultramarathon training program and falling in love with running again, I started having some nagging foot pain. What I thought might be a stress fracture is likely a badly bruised metatarsal (thankfully, I suppose). I’m currently sidelined from running for the foreseeable future. Battling this foot injury is taking its toll on my mental wellbeing. I’m trying to stay positive, but it’s been a challenge.

Reading Andy’s post reminded me that in moments of struggle, it’s essential to focus on the good rather than the bad. Yes, this injury sucks and has temporarily taken away something that I love, but there’s also a lot that’s going well in my life. I have so much to be thankful for. I can still move in many other ways, and that’s where I need to place my attention.

Instead of getting frustrated, I need to get curious. How can I continue to move my body in ways that strengthen the weaknesses that led to my foot injury? What other types of exercise will provide the same mood-boost as running? Curiosity is going to help me find solutions to my problem, not anger and frustration. Overcoming hardship is what life’s all about. To move forward with a little more ease, I must embrace the struggle.