Life’s A Game
As the song goes. “Life’s a game, you learn as you go, sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.” The very first time I heard those lyrics, I remember thinking how true they were, in a humbling sort of way.
As a life coach, I have the honour of sharing with my clients the experience of both their successes and their mistakes. One session to the next can be a shift of 180˚—some sessions provide the strength of empowerment and others may feel like a step back. At the end of the day, I am with them each step of the way as they learn and grow.
Like my clients, I too have experienced times in my life when I felt I knew all that I needed to know. Then, “BAM”—something happens to shock me into the reality that I still have much to learn.
I recently experienced such a moment when I decided to change my fitness program. My regular regimen of weights, fitness class and elliptical training was becoming routine, and I decided it was time for something new. So, during the summer months, I enrolled in a boot camp, which was a refreshing change from many years of regular workouts. It was here that I experienced the euphoria of running, deciding to “cross the floor” and make it my main mode of fitness.
As a former fitness instructor (way back in the leg warmer days!), I was convinced that I knew all there was to know about running. Off I went, like the little engine that could—I think I can, I think I can! Then reality set in,
and each fire hydrant, stop sign and mailbox became a place of refuge for my walk break. Some days I could barely catch my breath! I began to feel like a failure and wondered how I was ever going to achieve the feeling I imagined running would provide. After eating a slice of humble pie, I made the decision to register for the learn-to-run class—two months ahead of time so as to eliminate any change of procrastination.
Barely able to run two minutes at a time in the beginning, I questioned my sanity those first few weeks. But I persevered and adapted quickly, embracing every word of instructions from the leaders and presentations. That was last August, and I haven’t stopped running since!
Joining the learn-to-run class reinforced my belief in those lyrics: “Life’s a game, you learn as you go. I am learning as I go”—what to wear in winter, the proper footwear, even what to eat. I love the “recovery snack” and never miss it! By being open to learn what I needed to learn and ensuring I had an effective support system, running has become a priority in my life.
In life’s situations, we are both the student and the teacher. Learn to recognize which role you must play as life rolls along—embrace each opportunity to learn with an open mind and teach with kindness and patience.
Be well, lead and follow!
—Originally featured in the Running Room Magazine
Issue May/June 2008