My favorite spot...

I'm in my favorite spot. Sitting on the sill of the middle window in my apartment. I think they made this ledge purposely for me, or so I like to think. I fit perfectly, perched next to this almost floor-to-ceiling window, the city skyline painted to my left. That, too, seems as though it was put here just for me, just for these moments. I am given the opportunity to look at where I am, both mentally and physically, and think about how far I've come in a short amount of time. I am face-to-face with my future, my past sits quietly behind me where it belongs. Also lingering in the background is a small amount of fear. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and fear of losing myself along the way. I don't know where I'm going or where I'll end up, but I do know that I'm on the right track, whatever that track may be. Fear and doubt instantly leave my presence as I retreat back to the beautiful view to my left. Below me I see a mixture of everyday life in the city. Trains coming into and leaving the station, couples walking their dogs on the sidewalk, and taxi cabs rushing to unknown destinations. Maybe that's why I love this spot so much. It is my quiet oasis in the sky, a place from which I can be a part of the fast-paced world below me, without stepping foot outside my door. 

But I did step foot outside this morning, bright and early before the temperature rose to it's expected high of 80-some degrees. Not exactly my idea of October weather, but there's nothing I can do to change that. I love morning runs for many reasons; it gives me a chance to breathe fresh air, a chance to view the world around me, and a chance to focus on myself. As I was running, I quickly remembered, thanks to the street closings, that today is the Chicago marathon. People must have thought that I broke free from the pack, that I somehow got off course. But I assure you, I was on course. I was on my course, a mere 3 mile loop around my neighborhood. Nothing compared to the lengths those marathon runners were up against. Maybe I will get there some day, but for now I will stick to what I know. And what I can handle.