The past few months, I have written about runs I have taken while I have been traveling. From San Diego to Tampa to Spokane, from Niagara Falls to Charlottesville, where I have gone, I have run. Thanks to Internet groups like Dead Runner's Society, and my newsletter mailing list, I have often had friends to run with, wherever I have traveled. They often have been people I have never met before, but as I have said in the past, running creates its own common bond between those who do it.Today, my travels took me to a place called the Chattahoochee Trail. I had actually run on it once, several years ago, but it held no long term fondness or memories at the time. This morning, however, it looked much different, and was well worth the travel. Have you ever noticed that you can run the same course many different times, but suddenly, one day, it all looks different? That's what this morning's run was like, and it had less to do with the external scenery than the view from the mind's eye.
I did not need to fly out of town to get to this course. In fact, all I needed to do was roll out of my own bed, drive less than 1/2 hour, and I was there. It has always been that available, but I never appreciated my own back yard.....until today. If not for my princess, I would have never rediscovered this place, I am sure. She is the one who prompted me to go there with her today. I'm glad she did.
I am such a creature of habit, and have usually been content with the routine and the mundane. I can run the same loop every day for years on end, and not think twice of it. But occasional deviations of the methodical are good, and permanent change can be even better. I am making the effort to slowly break out of my predictable mold, though I am still far from being a risk taker.
I lived in New York for 15 years, and never made it to the Statue of Liberty, or the World Trade Center. I am not alone in the realization that we often don't appreciate what we have in our own backyard, even though there is so much there. A central focus in so many people's lives seems to revolve around trying so hard to obtain what we desire that we don't nearly appreciate what we have. I catch myself doing that, sometimes. It might be because there is a subconscious belief that what we have at our fingertips will always be there. But there are no guarantees, in running, or in life.
I have moved a couple of times over the last 5 years, and sold a couple of houses in the process. Each time, the same scenario unfolded. What was good enough for me would not be good enough for whoever followed. So, before the house went on the market, there were rooms to be painted, there was landscaping to be done, appliances to be fixed, etc. I could have done it for me, but waited until it was for someone else. It doesn't make much sense, but, once again, I know I am not alone in this experience.
So this morning, I ran and enjoyed the Chattahoochee Trail, as if it was a world away, and a chance of a lifetime. I appreciated it for what it was. Peaceful, well shaded, and readily available. What I appreciated most of all, and never really discovered until today, was that it was in my own backyard. It is a treat I can enjoy any time I want.
This brings me to the moral of story of today's run. Backyards are the most underrated places in the world, but should be the most cherished. They are part of what is home, and home is a very fine place to be. Backyards represent security, familiarity, family, friends, and they are yours, to mold any way you see fit. Create your own back yard, for yourself. Don't wait to manicure it for the next person who moves in. You really have no idea what their tastes are, anyway.
To make YOUR backyard, all it takes is a little imagination, a little planning, a little muscle, and a mind's appreciative eye. Instead of longing so hard for what we don't have, and possibly never will, take stock in what you do have. When you create your two columns, of what you have and what you want, and rate the importance of each, you'd be surprised at realizing that, in most ways, life is good. Very good. It's all right there, in your own back yard.
So now, if you'll excuse me, I am heading out back, to help my princess spread some new pinestraw around the green shrubs. It's not because we are moving. In fact, we ain't going nowhere anytime soon, and I like the view.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 04:33 PM