Sometimes I run the path at my park that I know like the back of my hand -- one lovely 1.25-mile circle.
Other times, I lace up my running shoes, press play on my favorite playlist and just walk out my door -- running wherever my feet take me.
I've found more freedom and success in that unknown path.
You can see new sites, make it as short or as long as you want, and go fast or slow -- just taking in every falling leaf, the wind when that first drop of sweat makes its way down your forehead, and the feeling of your feet each time they land, knowing you're moving just a little bit farther along.
As of yesterday, my work life has met up with my running life. I'm taking a road that will lead me only God knows where and trusting Him to lead me through the unknown.
After more than a year as a television news reporter, I'm turning off the camera and leaving the microphone behind.
The experience was an unforgettable adventure. I met so many wonderful people that I know I'll continue to call my friends even when the moving truck takes me away from this town. I also grew a lot as a person and decided what I want to get out of life.
However, that career -- which I spent four years in college for and dreamed about for much longer than that -- just isn't what I need right now. I don't know exactly how I came to that decision, but I felt God whispering in my ear, "I have something else for you." So, today, when I woke up, I was no longer a news lady.
I'd be lying if I said it was easy, that I wasn't scared or that I won't miss it, but I know it's what I had to do and I feel peace about it.
Still, the emotions of it sent me on a run today along one of those great, unknown paths.
It was my best run yet -- 6.2 miles with a pace right under 10 minutes each mile.
Toward the end, I came across an elderly woman walking her dog.
She smiled and said something I couldn't hear, so I paused my music and slowed down.
"What's that?" I asked.
She said, "I'm jealous of you young people!"
I was already passed her when I thought of a reply, "Hey, you're out here, too!"
That's the truth. Our success isn't based on being able to do what the person next to us can do; it's about taking our abilities and using them as best as we can.
That woman could have used the excuse, "I'm too old to go for a walk." She could have sat on her couch, but instead, she got up and went outside.
I could use the excuse, "I have asthma. Running is too hard." But I've worked at improving my strength for the last several years, and God has allowed me to do so.
I may never run a marathon or be on CNN, but I know I'm doing my best -- and I hope you realize that about yourself too.
If you're not, today isn't too late to start being YOUR best.
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