Push It Wednesday: The Boston Edition

I took a day of silence yesterday from the blogosphere to meditate, pray, and think of Boston. And of course, my runs have been filled with thoughts of Boston and those involved. And as much as I thought I wasn't going to post about Boston, how can't I when it is on my mind from the time when I wake up to the time I go to bed?
Like all of you, the news was devastating to hear. I was actually at work, opened Safari to look up something, and saw the breaking news: Bombs at the Boston Marathon. I couldn't even read it. I sat in shock for a bit and then ran to the bathroom, locked myself in, and sobbed...and texted dear hubby the news. It was all I could do to try to wipe away the tears and get back to my job. And it took nearly an hour for me to tell a co-worker what was up as I sat silently, trying to work and not be too teary eyed.
I couldn't wait to get home and as much as I knew I needed to run to start processing my thoughts, I felt guilty once it became time to lace up my shoes. I told myself no runner would want a runner to not run and just did it. It was a tough run and no where near long enough for me to sort through my emotions. I sat for what seemed forever on the treadmill after my run knowing there were things to do. Darling daughter played nicely around me. Then dear hubby texted me a picture and I broke down and cried. Darling daughter asked why and I had to tell her without making it seem too bad for her. She is only five. My answer, some good people were hurt today in Boston and Daddy just ran for them. Honestly, it wasn't that he ran. Of course he would. It was that he sent me a picture. This is the second picture he has ever sent me in our whole time together via phone. It was a big deal. It still is.
Yesterday, I woke up early and made it to the gym and ran before work. I got 6.17 miles in and the first few minutes were filled with thoughts of anger and I let myself process these emotions as I knew I needed to face them to go beyond them. And then I meditated, I watched the President's speech, and I prayed. I prayed hard. And I prayed for my strength and thoughts of support and love to go to everyone impacted Monday. I dedicated over a mile to Martin and his family. I prayed the parent running, I now know it was his Dad, to not feel guilty for running. No runner put their family in harm's way. They didn't do this. And I envisioned the strength of the prayer circle surrounding Boston with love, compassion, and support. I know it is strong. I see the posts by runners. I see the runs for Boston. I see the prayers for Boston. I know the positive energy is going their way to support them. I believe.
Today I woke up early again and made it to the gym before work but only got 5.1 miles in. I lingered in bed a bit too long thinking. But I won't beat myself up over it. I still have so much emotion to process and taking time to rest is important. And I may not have prayed and meditated from the start to the finish of my run today but Boston was still there on my mind. The TV's are still showing images. And I am inspired by the man in orange, 78 year old Bill Iffing, who fell down, got up, and finished. Not because he finished but because he is a wonderful example of the perseverance of spirit. And he is just one of a million.
What does all of this do with Push It Wednesday?
Everything. Monday tested the human spirit and we are showing we are strong. There is goodness in the world. There is love. It is sad that it takes a tragedy sometimes for the goodness to be witnessed. And I believe, there is more good than bad in the world. We just don't see it so easily since the good deeds don't become breaking news stories. I ask you to be part of the good. Push yourself today. Do something extra nice for someone. Give an extra smile. Let someone merge into your traffic lane. Lend a helping hand. And pray. It does make a difference.
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for the birds singing outside the window.
Daily Affirmation: I am strengthened by my faith and my prayers make a difference in the world.