Yeah yeah yeah, whatever, his friends say.
"No, I mean right now"
With that he gets up and leaves the bar and runs for 6 hours to his destination, stumbling at first like a drunken sailor, building speed finally as he sweat out demons of a life he did not love and so many shots thrown back to numb his dissatisfaction.
He had two degrees and a job most would envy, material wealth and a good wife. But why did he run?
When he was a kid running made him feel free and alive. He wanted that feeling again.
He turned his life into a life of running. He has written a book and run across entire countries.
He was desperate to see his life with fresh eyes. I love this story. I love my fresh eyes.
"Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you are not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not demanding more from yourself - expanding and learning as you go-you're choosing a numb existence. You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip."
~Dean Karnazes
(Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an all Night Runner)
I think I'd have to say it needs to be a bit of both - sometimes outside the comfort levels, and sometimes within... I like my comforts. That's why they're comfortable. But indeed, to live a staid, safe life isn't much of a life at all, I suppose...
Good post, Nancy! Sounds like an interesting read!!
yes-oh beautiful comfort, oh beautiful routine- I love this too. But I also like to turn it on its head and see what I can do.
The theme for my daughter's graduation last week was "A ship is safe in harbour, but that is not what ships are for." I thought it was a great message, and although I am not so ready for her to set sail, she can't wait for the new challenges and experiences.