Always something

I’ve shared here before that I fell while I was out for a walk on the river a couple of years ago (being chased by a goose, of all things!) and separated my shoulder and tore my hamstring. It was a terrible period for me, as a runner and walker and a person who loves to be active. The silver lining was that it motivated me to come back better; I didn’t want to let that be the end of running for me. And I’ve been working on it steadily, and running more, and finally feeling more like myself. But as I run more, other things go wrong, of course. I had an issue with my hip. I had an issue with my other hamstring. This past weekend I was thinking how now I’m finally better! Nothing hurts and I can build up from here. And then I turned (too suddenly, apparently!) to pick up something and tweaked a muscle in my side, and now I can’t run again.

Hopefully this is just a blip and I’ll be back at it soon, but it got me thinking about how this is a great metaphor for life. If you are writing your dissertation, or working on a project, or trying to navigate your career, or raising kids, there is seriously always something! You have to remember that’s how life works, that no one is out to get you, even though it may feel that way, and that you learn from the challenges. Just when you think you are settled, bam, something else. The key is that you know you can handle it, that things always change again, which is what I am trying to believe right now when I just want to get out for a run.

What goose is chasing you? Are you navigating some unexpected bumps in the road? Do you need a partner to help you plan your work or make progress on your summer goals? I am here.