Life Lessons

   Though I am not even yet 20, I have learned a lot of important things about life. Being a runner has taught me many lessons that otherwise would have taken me years to learn. Through my journey's, I have learned that for myself, there are only 3 things I need to survive in this world. I'm not talking about food, water, and sleep kind of things, but things that keep my head straight. These things are: family, friends, and running.
   Family has always been a huge part of my life. When I was younger, and even now, my shy personality has prevented me from being good at meeting new friends and talking to strangers. I struggled through elementary school at being socially accepted, but I always had my family to lean on. I am a mommy's boy and always have been. I have done so much with my mom and spent so much time with her, it is weird now to not have her around. And while I was a mommy's boy, I definitely didn't not neglect my dad. He took my camping and fishing and tried his best to make me a real man, and I believe he did a fine job. And then there is my sister. Once I grew up a bit, my sister and I started spending a lot of time together. We have a lot in common and she has been there for me through a lot.
   The next thing I need to live is my friends. Though I stated earlier I struggled with making new friends, I always had a core set of close friends that helped me survive. I always had at least one person to lean on, hang out with, and just be myself. They have been family friends, school friends, and most recently, running friends. They keep me sane and let me be myself.
   The last thing I need to survive in this world is running. Running has been my outlet for 4 years now. When things get rough, with friends, family, or school, I could always just go out and run to clear my mind and think straight. Running has taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I had made some of the best friends I've ever had through running. My greatest accomplishments in life and some of my fondest memories have come because of running.
   Anyways, I just wanted to say that real quick. This is something that is always on my mind and I thought it deserved to be expressed. I run my last race of the season at Duke Twilight on May 8th. Look for a sick new time!