Drink the Purple Kool-Aid

Its Saturday morning. Usually, when I am in Halifax, I am out running with my Team in Training for the LLSC (Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada). This Saturday morning activity means more to me than anything else I do in my whole week and I have been a part of this group since February 2017, just after diagnosis.

We gather early and have a chit chat, before a loud cheer and taking off to run. Its just supremely special. I don't know another way to describe other than to invite you along. We are all there with a purpose. For reasons often unbeknownst to one another. Some of us are personally affected by blood cancers, many others with friends or family members afflicted and some who heard how amazing our running group was came along after what we call "drank the purple Kool-Aid" and can't leave. For 16 weeks leading up to a major Marathon event (of any distance) you have a group of beautiful people surrounding you, running along side you, picking you up when you're down and pushing you in ways they don't even realize to achieve your goals. Running and on a greater scale, teamwork, does not get any better than this.

Today, I am not running and instead I'm sipping coffee inside, writing and blogging as a means to provide myself therapy while everyone else gets their healthy dose of endorphins. It is the first time I have ever attended an LLSC GTS (Saturday run) and not actually participated. Its sparked a flurry of emotions. Gratitude. Im alive and in the outside world again. That in itself is pretty awesome. Disappointment and frustration. Welcome back to these two vibes. I am comfortable in dealing with those emotions. Envy. Again, used to this one. I can't run to the level I am capable of or desire to take on anymore, but in time, that will return. Another sentiment I must remind myself of from time to time in order to look at the big picture.

So this Saturday, I am watching the rain drops fall on the other side of the window pane, listening to the eclectic cafe music and trying to find the silver lining. I watch with a fire inside of me, waiting to someday return. My friends continue to reinforce to me that if I don't take care of myself now, you can forget about later. I've had to continually repeat this to myself and emphasize that this time in my life is to take part in all that will heal, restore and enable recovery.

Be a part of something you are passionate about in your community. Find like minded, like-spirited people and let them help you flourish your own aspirations and purpose. Thats one of the only ways I have been able AND cap-able to carry on as I do. Yes, time will heal, but it never has to be alone. Go on, drink the purple Kool-Aid and just try t hold back from being part of something incredible, and life saving. I dare you.

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