Today our spring semester began for Maryland Universities. It fills me with so much purpose to be part of a system that is entirely dedicated to bettering our world by creating the leaders of tomorrow. I dreamed of working in higher academia as a child but I never expected those dreams to reach fruition. I also never expected that I could apply a lifetime of hospital visits to a career. While my role is relatively indirect to the students’ futures I feel immense joy to have a hand in the development of the nurses who will one day aid another little girl with a cleft palate. Knowing that these will be the nurses who are keeping her spirits up and giving her hope that the future is brighter than hospital lights, is beyond gratifying.
When pondering these concepts of purpose, dreams, achievement, and creation I find myself feeling the sensations of running. I feel like my mind is pushing ahead. Excitement spurs the speed of my thoughts. I have to nearly set a pace to organize all these thoughts. There is so much strength coursing through me right now, not physical strength but a great mental fortitude. It is thrilling to see that all my life events push me towards a brighter tomorrow. I can look back at individual moments and suddenly events that once were random become orderly and purposeful.
It is rather apt that over the weekend I attended a webinar on altering how you approach prayer and meditation. Much of the class led me to ponder how I frame all my thoughts. I will not divulge my notes out of respect for the teacher, instead, I highly recommend that my readers seek out Judy Goodman’s work. Her ability to make her students think about their words has changed my life. The classes she teaches always boosts my mood and thought processes. If this stretch of the lane I am on can be looked at as an open space to run freely, her class was like a glass of sweet tea, invigorating and refreshing.
I feel strong, I truly do. Regardless of my pain levels, I feel as though I can overcome all my challenges. I look forward to seeing growth all around. I want to run to the best of my ability. This will be the best year yet, I can feel it in my bones. So let’s run ahead, mindful of what lies behind and hopeful for the adventure ahead!