Running at sunrise is one of my favorite activities. To me it’s the best way to start my morning, and I would do it every day if my schedule or body allowed. One of my favorite running spots in Sarasota is the Ringling Bridge, which stretches over a body water. This is a popular spot for runners and bikers. You can’t beat the view of sunrise over the ocean. I usually always love my runs at this spot except when it’s really windy. When the wind picks up running the bridge at an incline becomes quite the challenge. Unfortunately you usually don’t know how windy it’s going to be until you get out there.

This was the case for me today. It was a pretty chilly morning for Florida and the added wind made it that much colder. I started out with the wind blowing so hard against me that it felt like I was moving in slow motion. My hands were freezing, nose running, eyes tearing, not a pretty picture. I slowly plugged along knowing that eventually I would get to the other side and turn around. I was pretty wiped out by the time I made it over the bridge to my turn around spot. At this point I didn’t care how pretty the sunrise was, I just wanted to get back to my car and turn the heat on. But once  began going back in the other direction my energy completely shifted. I was literally being propelled forward by the wind. It felt as if the wind was completely supporting my back and I literally sprinted back effortlessly. I was no longer tired and freezing. With the wind at my back I had found a renewed source of energy.

As I was practically flying over the bridge I couldn’t help but think about what a perfect metaphor this is for life. Lately I feel like I’ve had the wind blowing against me for a long time. I’ve been working really hard for school and my business, but some days I feel like I’ve made no progress at all. For all the effort and long hours I’m putting in I feel like I am barely moving forward. And at times I feel like universe is just not supporting me or even noticing my efforts. There have been many nights where I’ve just wallowed in frustration and self pity, asking when am I going to get a break? When are things going to lighten up a little and just be easy for a change? But I realized while on that run that I’m just running against the wind at the moment, and that eventually I will reach a place where the wind is at my back.

Running against the wind is a challenge. The more you do it the better a runner you become. It’s like natures own personal trainer who is constantly pushing you past your comfort zone so that you get stronger and faster. I feel like that is where I am at in life right now. I am learning and being forced to grow and live outside my comfort zone. It is hard, I am tired, and I do want a break. But I also know that this period in my life is going to make me more equipped to handle challenges in the future. And realistically I might be in this push phase for awhile longer. I’m just starting a business and the first few years are going to require a lot of hustle out of me. But I am now seeing that at some point the wind is going to be in my favor. There will be a time where I will feel completely supported and things will flow more effortlessly. That if I just keep pushing through and putting out the effort eventually I will reach my turing point.

This slight change in my perspective has completely altered the way I am handling this time in my life. I’ve noticed that I’ve stopped complaining that I have no time, or that I’m tired. I am much more accepting of the present. Of knowing that yes I have to work hard right now, yes I’m a little lost and completely out of my comfort zone, and yes sometimes its going to suck. Cause that’s the truth. But somehow accepting that it’s going to suck at times, makes it not suck as much…make sense?

This is how life is, it’s a constant ebb and flow. Everyone reading this is in a different stage on their path depending on the lessons that they need to learn and where they need to grow. I know a lot of my girlfriends are like me right now getting clobbered by this relentless wind. Feeling confused, frustrated, and tired. I also know a lot of people who after years of struggle are finally sitting pretty living a life beyond their wildest dreams, in awe of all the good that is effortlessly flowing their way. Seeing their path and hearing their stories gives me the hope and faith I need to know that I’ll get their too someday, and so will you.

So if you feel like life is just not at your side at the moment, hang in there. Recognize this time as an opportunity for growth and building strength. Keep moving forward no matter how slow you feel you are going. You are making progress, things will lighten up, and you will be supported for your efforts.