Find a passion, light a fire

I have loved the idea of a fast-paced life since I was a child. In my mind, “fast-paced” used to mean a big city, a million people, and bright lights. But now, “fast-paced” means something completely different.

I began running long distance when I was 11 years old and have not been able to pull myself away from the adrenaline rush that comes from the sport.

Now don’t get me wrong, there have been days where I find myself sitting on the side of a gravel road, miles out of town, crying, wondering why I put myself through the discomfort every day, and wanting to quit. But no matter how bad one day may be, I always run back into town, then I lace up my shoes the next day and feel the love for running again.

When people ask me why I love running, I do not know how to explain it to them. To be completely honest, explaining a love for something I do not understand myself is nearly impossible. Here is my best attempt: some days, just an easy run feels like the most unbearable thing I have put myself through.

Other days, the unexplainable days, make me feel as if I am on top of the world, almost like I could run for days and not grow weary. There are ups and downs every day, and sometimes even one good workout can change my attitude for an entire week.

Running is one of many things in life that I am passionate about. Today, people are afraid of having a passion and expressing themselves through it; I see it all the time. What’s the point of dragging yourself around every day of your life without having the drive to do something that you love?

It’s important that we enjoy life and go out and find things that we are passionate about. Once you find something that you are passionate about, you will be so happy that your happiness will ripple out and impact others. By finding something to be passionate about, you gain the capability to spark a change in another person’s life, and that is a pretty amazing thing.

I challenge you to go out and get involved so you can find something that you’re passionate about. There are so many people in this world that share the same passions as us. We need to get out there and find these people because they are hiding away, just like the rest of us.

Once I stepped out of my comfort zone with running, I have met my best friends and was offered several opportunities that have changed my life through my passion. Whatever your passion is, use it to make a happy and healthy change in your life and in others’ as well.