Last Sunday was a bad day. Nothing happened really, I was just in a funk. You know those days when you’re already feeling upset, and then hurtful thoughts take over your mind in order to match the emotions. It’s like you can’t even control it. I know, it’s ridiculous, but it happens to a lot of us. I actually don’t think you can be authentically happy without having days like those every once in a while.
I was hopeful that I’d be able to start fresh Monday. What better way to do that than with a run on a pretty fall morning. I headed out minutes after the sun came up. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day. The air was crisp, the sun beamed ethereally through the trees, and the dark pavement was peppered with copper, red, and gold of the fallen leaves. But, that day, I was still unmoved by these things. That dark mood was lingering.
I made my way past the duck pond and onto the sidewalk. A few yards ahead was a young man that I’d seen a few times before. I remembered him for his preppy looking scarf, thick glasses, and the scowl he had his face. Oh great here goes grumpy Harry Potter. He mean mugged me twice last week, I swear! There was no mean mug that day though, just a slight nod of recognition as I ran past. It was a pleasant surprise. Okay Harry, I see you!
A few minutes later I got a “Good morning sweetheart.” from a nice older man sitting on a bench. Then, waiting at a red light, someone chirped “Nice day for a run!” I waved and ran across the street. I wondered what was going on. If anything, I usually just get a couple of weird glances that I attribute to my just-rolled-out-of-bed look. Why was everyone being so friendly? Why today? I was running up hill towards the bus stop where two older ladies we’re chatting. They were both wearing dark, oversized jackets, navy cargo pants, and worn out work boots. One of them stopped mid-conversation to cheer for me. “Yay, go girl!” she said, pumping her fist. How nice! I giggled, but I was still so perplexed. Why would she cheer for me? I’m not doing anything special. I wasn’t even running that fast. My quads actually felt a bit fatigued. Nonetheless she cheered me up… a little. I was heading down hill and nearing the end of my run when the wind picked up a little. It felt like it was behind me, giving me the gentle boost I needed to finish strong.
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