I’m writing this the day of my 6th marathon, while I still feel alive! I have the rush and celebration of my body, my determination, and probably a little of my “crazy”! I’m an endurance runner. I actually don’t talk about it much for multiple reasons.
One, is that I recognize it can appear extreme to some and I’m a bit private about it. Second, and the reason I’m writing this article, is because I never want to diminish or take away from anyone who gets out there to run or walk a race and often people will down play their amazing achievements.
I know running is not for all, but for me it’s a place of connection to my body, of being outside in nature, and it’s one of the best stress relievers I have found. The level of aliveness that I feel when I run a race is palpable. I am so tuned into my body and this is so important.
Find Your Passion
I know I’m not alone in being so caught up in our thoughts and “to do’s” we are often not connected to our physical body. When I am on a trail run I can feel the earth under my feet. I love looking at the beautiful mountains and cacti on the trails. I had no idea there were so many shades of blue in the sky and green on the earth!
I can literally feel the stress of my days melting away and often my running partner and I leave a lot of sweat and tears on that mountain as we share our ups and downs of life. So there is the endorphin natural high but with reflection, laughter, and connecting with my friend- it’s a double bonus!
I think it’s important to find outlets to access that aliveness in you. Be aware and be mindful. Feeling alive is living life to the fullest, taking risks, feeling all five senses and tuning into your body, feeling energy and passion coursing through your veins, and knowing you are doing something that keeps you brave and energized.
Have you thought about doing something but there is something holding you back? Is there a place that used to bring this energy into your life but you stopped because life got too busy?
Does It Bring You That ‘Alive’ Feeling?
I want to ask you to bring aliveness into your life. It might be from getting out of your normal routine and doing something different with your partner. Maybe it’s a trip you always wanted to take. Maybe it’s a physical goal like a lifting a certain weight at the gym or completing your first 5k. Maybe it’s taking that leap of faith and starting a new career path. So many options out there!
Once you start to figure that out, ask yourself: Does it relieve stress? How do you know that it’s working for you? What is aliveness? What does feeling alive mean to you?
I often hear couples share that they are more like roommates and that they have “lost the passion”. As I explore further, there are often multiple areas in their lives that are not fulfilled, that are busy but mundane activities. When we incorporate relationships, and aliveness into our lives, often we can quickly rejuvenate that passion and aliveness in our intimacy as well.
Go inside. Close your eyes. Try to imagine something that makes your heart beat a little faster. Something that would make you feel proud of yourself. Create ideas out loud no matter how outrageous they might be. Now take this list and see if you can build a plan to bring it into reality.
Life can be full of struggle at times. Let’s challenge that struggle by doing things that make us feel alive, present, and grateful. So, I signed up for another race today, what are you going to do?!
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This Post Written By:
Rachel Thomas, Owner, LMFT – Therapy With Heart
8737 E. Via De Commercio, Suite 200
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Phone: (480) 888-5380
Fax: (480) 203-2881
Email: Rachel@TherapyWithHeart.com
Website: https://therapywithheart.com
