Calm Before The Storm
The Calm Before The Storm
Life is a series of moments. Some sent to bless us; others to grow us, but there are benefits in it all. Read about my journey back into the “normalcy” of my life after beating appendix cancer. Discover why marathon training had to take a back seat and the lessons I’ve learned along the journey and what the road ahead looks like. I do hope you enjoy the analogies and find ways to apply the lessons in your own life.
The intricacies of our lives are what make up the best parts of us. Our uniqueness exudes when we’re brave enough to elude the beaten path and explore what we’re meant for.
Welcome back to: Running On Ayers.
I had way too much fun creating this logo. I think I like it! Thanks to my wife, ChatGPT & Canva.
This is my calm before the storm. In September of this year, when I wrote my last entry, I was two months out of my last chemo session. My optimism possibly got the best of me as I heralded about my aspirations. My body has never laughed at me that hard before. I still feel a chuckle every now and then. Needless to say, the bounce back has been slower than anticipated like that hollow spot in the wood on an indoor court, but I digress.
Up until recently, I wore a fitness watch with a step counter every day. While doing chemo, I was averaging maybe 2,000 steps a day. With my current schedule, on days that I don’t do anything besides work, I now average over 10,000 steps. The days where I run it can be double that. I bring this up to express the drastic jump in activity that just took place and I am thankful for the recovery. I’m still struggling with the symptoms of neuropathy, which has increased my reluctance to write and run. Typing is a struggle.
As some may have noticed, this is NOT a race recap. Honolulu will have to wait. This was a decision that worked best for my family while growing my capacity to be patient and forgiving of self. I can say that now in hindsight and I’m excited about the next chapter.
Name any of the best shooters on the basketball court during any era and you will find one thing in common. Their bounce back mental strength is solid. They know how to, in seconds, shake off disappointment and shift towards belief. They live in the shot that they are currently taking. Blocking out internal and external distractions as if they don’t exist. The rest of the world is on mute and moving in slow motion at the climax of each shot release. They believe(d) in themselves, their preparations and their training. They’ve made this shot a million times in their visualizations, but here in reality, things seem to be more complicated, and in a way, they are.
There’s something in music recording that plagues even some of the best of artists. My friends and I when I operated a recording studio used to refer to it as “red light syndrome”. Imagine listening to an artist sound amazing singing a line ten times and then flop the moment you hit the recording button. They froze! They allowed, what they believed to be, external pressures influence their internal skill and ability. Never allow your value to be defined by anyone else but yourself.
My standards for myself are higher than anyone else could ever place on me, but I appreciate the steps along the journey to the destination. I’ve grown to find value in the climbs as I quest to improve and relaxation in the descents life brings.
Going through chemotherapy reminded me of a steep long downhill of a roller coaster and currently I’m just catching my breath. I’m in the regrouping phase as I anticipate the self imposed hills ahead as I continue to pursue my goals. I’m excited to share what I’ve been working on soon.
I do apologize for the extended time period since my last post. Amidst life’s challenges, I’ve been focused on the messages in its lessons and always enjoying the journey. Prepare yourself for the blessings you wish to receive. The branch has to be strong enough to withstand the weight of the fruit and I’m anticipating a season of abundance.
Thank you for continuing to follow along with this journey. Below are some upcoming events I’ll be at but be sure to subscribe to stay in the know. Life is a series of moments. Some sent to bless us; others to grow us, but there are benefits in it all. #EnjoyTheJourney
