I headed to the beach to run for the first time since arriving in California. I love running on the beach but sadly, I do not go very often. Rather, I wait, patiently until the tide is the lowest upon awaking, before giving myself that gift.
The post fourth beach was deserted as I turned southward toward the pier. Slowly, my body found its rhythm and as it did, my mind began to wander as my feet carried me ever further along the shoreline.
I noticed after awhile that unconsciously, I had found and begun following a set of footprints in the sand. A runner that had gone before me. I matched my stride to my unknown guide, footprint to footprint. We neared the water's edge, we veered slightly away. As if on autopilot, I followed his lead, no questions asked, no choices made, as silently, we traveled a path down the beach.
I turned at the halfway point, and new prints appeared. The gait was longer than that of my previous guide. I struggled to keep up. Half a mile, I labored until without warning, my leader stopped, reversed course, turned for home.
Alone now, I continued on, setting my path, plotting my own course. I gazed behind me and realized sadly, I left no footprints of my own. No path for another to follow, my impression too faint.
I have lived my life like this run on the beach. Trusting in those who have gone before to know the way, to chart the course. Blindly, I've follow their lead.
Wisdom tells me it is time to plot my own journey. To trust my feet to carry me onward toward what my future holds. To leave an imprint my littles can follow. I think I might almost be ready.
6 comments:
Almost ready? I think you've been ready for a while- jump! As a kid, I always liked reading Footprints in the Sand. Your post reminded me.
M, That was beautifully said. Thanks for sharing.
-m
M, That was beautifully said. Thanks for sharing.
-m
There's so much to be learned from the sand on the beach! Thanks for the insight today!
One of your best posts! Well said.
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