. . . I appreciate a good play list.

One thing I have come to accept about myself is my need for some pump up music while running.  I am an awful I tunes play list creator and often resort to shuffling all songs.  This can be problematic as my I pod includes artists like the Rolling Stones, Matt Nathanson, Rhianna, MJ, Jason Aldean, Don Henley, Taio Cruz, Spice Girls, etc.  Lots of variety!  

Since taking up running, I have learned that variety can be a blessing and curse.  There is a time and place for Enya . . . stretching, meditation, yoga.  Not really my style on mile three of a 10K.  Just not the pump and motivation I need.  Now Rhianna on the other hand gets me going, adds spring to my step, and makes 5, 6, 7 miles seem totally doable.  However, when it comes to needing time to think, journal, and clear my head Rhianna ain't my girl.  It's not the right energy.

Energy.  This is easily applied to life and the play list, or people and environments, we choose to listen to/interact with/surround ourselves with.  Since moving across the country, starting a new job, and trying to figure out my place in the world, I am left to ponder energy quite often.  Sometimes I feel I am bursting with it, other times completely sucked dry.  This is often a result of the people I surround myself with.  We all have the friends that know how to have a good time, but are then ill equipped to deal with emotion, chaos, and tragedy.  Then there are people who are great at giving advice, telling you what they think, but not always great at just enjoying your company. 

Since moving, I have learned a lot about friends, relationships, and candor.  Distance has changed many of my friendships, yet other remain completely intact.  Over the last few years, life circumstances have taught me about what others are capable of dealing with, what makes people uncomfortable, and how easy it is for some people to step up to the plate when they see someone they care about in need.   

BECAUSE I RUN, I recognize that my I pod play list runs much deeper than my ear canals.  Life has a playlist and just like one sorts their I tunes library, so too we sort our play list for life.  Sometimes this means accepting that relationships have run their course, and other times it means you must admit where you have fallen short.  Ultimately, it requires one to look within themselves and admit where boundaries must be drawn.  Where are your limits?  What are you willing to tolerate?  When is enough enough?  How do you show your appreciation for those you love?  Is your life play list motivating, or dragging you down?  Which songs/people need to moved/changed/reconsidered? 

Life, challenges, and goals are all about energy.  And what energizes one part of your life will not necessarily energize another.  Where does Rhianna fit?  How about that fun friend versus the one that is real and a constant shoulder to lean on?  BECAUSE I RUN, I have learned that it is okay to draw boundaries to protect what is important.  I understand that context is everything and if you won't advocate for yourself and what you need, no one will.  BECAUSE I RUN, I appreciate a good play list and in most circumstances, that play list needs to get me pumped up so I can be the best me!