Life is full of twists and turns. Not many straight paths (although Nebraska roads have that straight-as-an-arrow reputation). Sometimes the twists and turns go in unexpected directions and we find ourselves in unexplored territory, without a map and not knowing where we will arrive. But never fear. As J.R.R. Tolkien wrote: Not all who wander are lost. Just because we lose our bearings or sense of direction for a moment or two doesn’t mean we have to sense of where we are going. We all get disoriented from time to time. Technology fails at times, leaving us navigating without GPS. (I’m directionally challenged without some GPS/compass unless I know the route/path already.) Traffic can stop us from going the direction we want to go. Detours pop up and we must recalculate. It’s okay to wander a little but probably not safe to wander a lot. If you do get lost, ask for directions.
We must have confidence in ourselves and know that whatever happens in life that may be adverse to us, we have the ability to overcome it. Maybe it’s the loss of a job or a loved one, illness, injury, setbacks or even just feeling “stuck” where we are. Just because adversity arrives doesn’t mean we have lost. Losses can be very painful, especially in the case of a loved one. I lost my sister-in-law yesterday to cancer. It’s truly heartbreaking when people leave us way too soon. But I know that we have a strong family and that we will be able to grieve, mourn and heal, helping each other in the healing process. (More on this later this week.)
Similarly, when we run or exercise, we must always be aware of our surroundings because we can encounter adversity or dangerous situations and locations. Cars/drivers, pedestrians, bikes, and dogs are all potential hazards. We must pay attention to the directions that all of these hazards are traveling because it affects us. If a hazard approaches you, twist and turn a different safer direction. As we fade into autumn soon, the sunlight disappears a little faster in the evening. We must be seen to be safe. And our pets must be seen too. Where can we turn for improved safety steps? What can we do?
First, make sure you have a charged headlamp with you (or a light on your bike). Use the brightest light you have. Wear blinking lights. And reflective gear, clothing, and shoes. Even bright reflective laces are helpful.
Additionally, consider using some reflective safety strips like Brilliant Reflective. It comes in stick-on and iron-on varieties. Attach it to your clothes, shoes, gear, bikes, dog leash, etc. And remember to replace tape if over time it loses its reflectivity or peels off (this happens rarely but usually due to high humidity/precipitation especially rain). Sometimes a safety strip can be secured with a crossing piece of tape (like the silver piece I attached above to the blue one to secure one that cracked slightly after many miles and washes in the washing machine.) This way, regardless of which twists or turns you may take on the roads or trails, you will be seen easily. Make sure to attach tape on all sides of you because we do change directions.
Want to try Brilliant Reflective? Visit their website here: BrilliantReflective.com Also, as I am a BR ambassador, please use my code to receive a discount if you decide to order: RAM25.
Other steps you can take: wear a Road ID (mine has Brilliant Reflective attached to it).
Tell people where you are running/walking and check in regularly with family/friends. Run and exercise with friends/family and your dog whenever possible. It’s safer with strength in numbers.
Be safe. Take steps to minimize risks. And if it looks like traveling in one direction is too dangerous, don’t do it. Turn around, change the direction, twist the route in a different safer path. Avoid suspicious people. Don’t take unnecessary risks. If we can twist while we stretch, we can certainly be flexible enough to twist a route a safer direction. The shocking death of Mollie Tibbetts, the University of Iowa student/runner recently has awakened all of us to be much more careful.
We can take control of many twists and turns in life and use them to our advantage. It takes practice but it works. Turning in a different direction may present higher challenges that help us in the future. Don’t let adversity get the best of you. Turn it around, persevere, and win! I believe in you. You CAN do it!
P.S. The twisting may include dancing if you like to dance;) If not try it anyway.
Follow