We’ve got this!

I’ve been a recreational runner for some time now and started running around 2006 as a way to get in shape, burn built-up energy, and relieve stress. Over the years I have increased my running ability, however, I have been on and off depending on work schedules, weather, family engagements, motivation, etc. When I was in high school, I could barely run a mile. Every time I would be forced to run “the mile” in gym class, I would end up walking a large portion of it. I always wondered how my friends could do it so easily and was envious that they would always finish before me. It turns out that running a mile straight was simply a feat I didn’t think I could accomplish. I simply never believed in myself that it was something I could do well. Since then, I’ve realized a lot about life and what it takes to accomplish goals. I know now that a lot of what it takes to achieve goals is having a proper mindset. Since I started running, I’ve been a lot more confident and, overall, healthier. I’ve kept up my motivation by registering for races that force me to stick with it, even when times are busy. 

I ran my first half marathon in 2015 and since then have run a lot more races, including the infamous “triple peach” series each year since then. The triple peach is the Peachtree Road Race, the world’s largest 10k held each fourth of July, the Atlanta 10 miler held each October, and the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. I just registered for my 6th Triple peach yesterday! There have been a few times where I haven’t been able to train properly, however, I have never skipped a race. Regardless of the circumstance (or excuse!), I would go out and run no matter what. My mental determination allows me to participate in a race, even a half marathon, without defined training. While this is not my preferred way to run, it says a lot about mindset. In high school, that single mile that used to give me anxiety and a feeling of hopelessness. Now, I can get up and run (maybe walk just a little) 13.1 miles without fear or hesitation. I know I can do it, and there isn’t much that can stop me. For me, it’s mind over matter. What is your “mile”? What are the roadblocks that are holding you back?

When I was going through some of the roughest times in my life a few years ago, I was in the best physical shape of my life. I was eating a lot less (stress-related), and working out and running a ton. But besides this, I had a drive toward fitness and running, because I didn’t really have anything else to focus on besides work and taking care of my boys. On the days that I didn’t have my boys, I would do yard work, work out, and work out more. I used exercising and playing my bass guitar as my therapy to get through tough times.

The other day I went for an early morning run running in my neighborhood. I was out before sunrise and was able to watch the sun creep up as I was completing my run. I love being able to do this! One of the first things that I realized about running in Georgia is that it is way more difficult compared to Ohio because of the hilly terrain. It can be quite a challenge. How I long for the day where I can run a half marathon on a FLAT course! I don’t like running up hills and never felt like I was good at it. Most recently, I haven’t been running as much as I would like so I’ve definitely been walking up most hills I’ve come across.

As we have been going through these uncertain times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought to myself how the hills are symbolic of our lives and the ups and downs we have as we journey through it. During my run, I thought about all of the great moments I have had in my life professionally and personally. I thought about what I’ve been most proud of and what’s brought me joy. I also thought about some of the hardest moments and how difficult those times were for me. I looked back to times of fear, anger, disparity, and sorrow. Most importantly, I thought about how great I feel now because I was able to stay focused, stay positive, and worked to get through the hard times to triumph in the end. 

That day, I decided to run up every hill I came across. It was hard, but I pushed myself to do it. On several of the larger hills, I pushed even harder. I didn’t think I would be able to do it, but I did. When I got to the top of the hill I felt amazing. Tired, yes, but I felt like a winner and that I could accomplish anything. Side note: I always think about how Rocky felt when he finally was able to run up the stairs of the library in Philadelphia. While it may seem cheesy, if you know anything about me, I love the story of Rocky.  It has been an inspirational story for me and one that I consider an important parallel in my life. If you are feeling like you can’t do something, just watch Rocky.

I know my journey is not over. There will be times when things aren’t 100 percent good, but I am prepared to deal with them when they should arise. I know I will have my ups and downs, my good days and bad days, or, even sometimes, my good weeks and bad weeks. I am strong and will not let negativity take me down. I’m ready to continue the challenge!

Be Thankful

The most important thing we can do is to remain positive and thankful for what we DO have. Gratitude goes a long way. While I could easily get down and stay negative about not being able to work, canceled professional opportunities, or the cancelation of personal activities and travel, I instead have been focusing on the positive and trying to see the good in everything.

I am in a wonderful teaching position where I have fantastic students, great facilities and funding, supportive parents and administration, and colleagues who are fun and collaborative. While I am not able to attend my workplace, I am thankful that I belong to a school district that values distance learning and that we have been afforded the technology that makes learning online possible. I am working hard each day to be creative and collaborative to try to provide my students with opportunities that will motivate them and be enjoyable for them. It’s not the same as playing in orchestra class, but I am doing the best I can in this situation. 

I have a family that means everything to me. My two boys are healthy, happy, and a ton of fun. I have loved watching them grow physically and mentally and look forward to every opportunity I have to be with them. I’m so proud of who my boys are and the young men they will grow up to be. I also have a fiancé whom I love dearly. I learn something from her nearly every day and we are each other’s yin and yang, balancing each other’s emotions and temperament. Our wedding, scheduled for mid-April, had to be postponed due to COVID-19. It was tough to do this, and we lost a lot of sleep over the decision. But, we knew this was not the time that we wanted to celebrate coming together, and we certainly did not want to put any of our family at risk to be sick. We have learned that we need to be patient and let things happen as they will. God has a plan! We are excited about the future and have already made a plan to tie the knot in October. It will be worth the wait and I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with her!

The COVID-19 outbreak has turned all of our lives upside down. Much of what we knew as normal and took for granted is now forbidden. Some of the things that mean the most to us (spending time with others, congregating, etc.) are not allowed. While I am thankful for my immediate and extended family and friends are all healthy, it is tough not to be able to see them and have face-to-face conversations. Online chat just isn’t the same, but it’s helping. More on this later.

Be Resilient 

We will get through the pandemic of COVID-19 and will come out even stronger than we were in the past. The financial state of our country will recover. Most importantly, once this is over I am hoping people will come away even more appreciative of what they have, especially in regards to people and relationships. 

Social distancing is difficult! I have actually found that staying busy has been good therapy. I’m treating this time as an opportunity rather than a punishment. I have enjoyed learning new technology and creating new resources for my students and other string/orchestra teachers to use. I’ve had a lot more time for old-fashioned, low-tech family time that has been awesome – monopoly, chess, nerf guns. I’ve even picked up a book to read. This is NOT me!  (Note: I’m reading The Cycle of Self Empowerment by Dom Famularo. It’s really a great book and is giving me even more positive ideas.) I’ve spent a lot more time outside walking and in the yard. I’ve come up with new ideas for future projects. What opportunities are you taking? How are you spending your time? 

I do understand that there are many people and families that are struggling to make ends meet right now. There are many out of work and paychecks have stopped. Kids are home from school, trying to adapt to learning remotely. In my virtual meetings with my students, I’ve received some tough questions that I really can’t answer. I really feel for my students because they are missing so much. Many of my students rely on attending school to provide personal fulfillment and now they are without it. I am particularly worried about my seniors. Events like their senior prom, their last spring concert, and their high school graduation are now in question. My heart breaks for them because I know they’ve been waiting for and looking forward to these moments for a long time. We are still uncertain about what the future will hold.

Many parents are trying to work from home while their children are attending school sessions. It is a stressful time and we are all trying to figure out what the new “normal” is all about and how we will make it work. We are uncertain about how long this will last and what life will look like when it is gone.  Will we be able to go back to how life used to be? Or will COVID-19 change life as we know it?

As I have mentioned before on this blog, staying positive and staying strong are the keys to getting through tough times. It is important to always seek out the positive and refrain from dwelling on the negative. We need to focus on what is good now without trying to compare it to what used to be. Also, we should not live in fear of the future. These things are not always easy to do, but if you really look deeply at your life, you can find and thrive on positivity. Staying positive will help everyone realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Seeking and Offering Assistance

The news is filled with negativity. While some of the information may be beneficial in keeping you and your family safe and healthy, if you spend your day watching the news or on social media, you might never realize the positive things that are right there in front of you. 

It is important to continue to have positive relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. Don’t be afraid to reach out (virtually!) to those who may be able to help you or to those whom you may be able to help. Over the last few weeks, I’ve met with students in large and small groups on Zoom and Google Meet. I’ve enjoyed answering their questions and, when necessary, playing/demonstrating for them. It’s nice to see their faces.

I’ve hung out with friends and colleagues online for virtual meetings and happy hours. While not the same as face-to-face interaction, these virtual meetings have helped fulfill my need to be with others and brought me joy.  As we continue our social distancing, I’m going to be reaching out to even more people to make sure they are okay and, in some cases, reconnect if it has been a while. Friends, feel free to reach out to me if you want to chat.

All of us need to stick together to get through this. I have hope and so should you. It is my hope that you will all stay safe, happy, and healthy. I wish you and your family the very best. We’ve got this!