The Run ~ An Inspirational Poem

The Run

My mouth is dry

And I begin to sweat.

My eyes blur

But I’m not there yet.

My head pounds

And my hands are numb

Petal to the metal

And I’m on the run.

Not running to something

Not running from anyone

Not running to escape

Just running to run.

Driving away

Leaving it behind

Heading toward a place

Where no one can find.

In search of a sanctuary

Far from home

A new area of solitude

to be alone

Running for peace

And trying to escape

Becoming something new

In a different place.

I was doing some Spring cleaning this weekend and found this in my oldest son’s things. It’s from his first year in college.

I love this! There are so many times when life seems overwhelming and I just want to get away…when things feel like they are piling up and I just need to escape. To find a Sanctuary. A shelter from life’s storms.

And you know what…sometimes that’s just what you need. Take a step back and re-evaluate what’s bothering you.

I’m not sure I’ve interpreted this correctly but that’s what it makes me think of.

So when I’m feeling overwhelmed, here’s a few things I do:

Journaling

This has become my main coping mechanism. By writing down my feelings and getting them out of my head, it has helped tremendously.

Make a To-Do List

When I’m feeling overwhelmed, making a list of what I need to do makes me feel better. Similar to journaling, when it’s on paper, I can quit obsessing about it. I’m able to see it, prioritize what’s important then address it. I love crossing things off my list. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.

In addition to Go to the Grocery Store, Go to the Bank, etc., I’ll add the things that are really stressing me. Things I should be able to remember, but don’t. Like Feed the dog. Even though I walk by their dish 50 times a day, when I have a lot on my mind, I just can’t remember.

Take a Time Out

Meditate. Walk. Exercise. Take some deep breaths. Whatever you need to do.

When my anxiety is at its peak, my family understands when I say, “I need a time out”. They would much rather me take a few minutes to myself than to lose it with them.

Lastly, if all else fails, take a nap!

Delegate

Once you look at your list, if it is really too much to do, ask for help. Enlist your family or friends. Get a baby sitter if necessary. There is no shame in admitting you can’t do everything.

I used to run away from things

I used to run away from things…a lot. I’m not talking about taking a step back but withdrawal. The bad thing about this is whatever you were running from will catch up with you. If you are at the point that you just can’t deal with things, find someone to talk to. A counselor, Pastor, Doctor, or a friend.

Life is not always easy. Make sure you have a support system that you can depend on.

I feel so blessed to have found this today. I’m not sure what inspired my son to write this or if it was just a random assignment, but it touched my soul and stirred my emotions. I’m proud of him. He’s smart, and sensitive, and a little too serious sometimes.

I want the world for him, and I hope he doesn’t run. But if he feels he needs to, I hope he knows he can run here.