I write

A friend ( Jackie) got me thinking. 

I have always spent my days neck deep in relationships. It is my work. It is my calling. I love it. 

Listening, collaborating, cajoling, laughing, crying, counseling, questioning, and learning.

My days are regularly full, and always unpredictable. I have always needed a release. A way to give my soul some predictability, on my terms. 

The Serenity Prayer is a prayer written by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971). It is commonly quoted as: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. 

I find inspiration and challenge in the Serenity Prayer. I try to work toward it, but I am rarely successful.  

I realized long ago that I didn’t stand a chance to find the serenity, the wisdom, and the courage unless I gave myself some time.

For much of my life, daily physical exercise, often running, was my chance to take control for a bit. I can still close my eyes and feel my favorite runs, the ground under my feet, the smell of the trees, my breathing, a sunrise over campus. I miss it. 

My 40s have been influenced by a daily battle with ALS. There have been many adjustments and frustrations, but one of the most difficult is the loss of my ability to lace up my sneakers and go for a run. 

I needed a new release. A new avenue toward serenity, courage, and wisdom. 

I write. 

I love writing. I love words and turns of phrase. I believe what we say, and how we say it, matters. I don’t often really know how I think about something until I write about it. 

I don’t know whether I am more serene, wise, or courageous after I write, but I know I need it like I needed my morning run.  Writing is my daily exercise. It makes me happy, clears the noise, and gives me focus. 

It makes me a better me. 

What makes you a better you?