It's all a matter of perspective. This much I already knew. You can change your feelings or your mood just by changing the way you look at something.

Most of the time, if I am doing something unpleasant or if I am in a situation that I don't exactly like I tell myself that it won't last forever, just get through it. A good example is when I am running and just want to be done. I would continually try to trick myself by saying things like "almost done!" Or "just around the corner and I am back to my car."

Maybe my little mind trick worked but I am not sure because I never seemed to feel this sudden burst of energy getting to to the end of my run. Actually, it seemed like the closer I got to the car the more tired I got. It feels that way in a race too. As I get closer to the finish I hear people saying "just around the corner" and "you're almost to the finish" but for some reason this just makes me more tired.

My friend, Erica, said that when she is running she tells herself that she is going to be out there all day so you might as well enjoy it. I told her later that when she said that to me my initial thought was "how stupid." Why would you want to motivate yourself with a negative?

Turns out what she said is right. At least it works for me. Out of desperation I tried it once. Suddenly my body didn't feel like giving up. I got a burst of energy. Well, maybe not so much a burst of energy but at the very least some much needed strength to continue on.

As I thought about it later it all made sense. When I tell myself that it is almost over, in my mind I don't seem to try so hard or in some cases, even my body seems to start giving up. It is like our minds are strong until we tell them it is okay to let go. Ever have to go to the bathroom so bad when you are on a road trip? Somehow we are able to hold it until a gas station but once you are in the restroom door it is a race to see if you can make it.

So, I'm in it for the long haul. I will run like I will be running all day. I will work like this is the only job I will ever have and I will live like today is my last. No more doing it to get it over with or going so I can get back. This is what I have to work with so I will work it. The best part is... change is inevitable. My favorite part is that when I figure it all out and get into a comfortable groove... the adventure changes!