"pain is inevitable, suffering is optional" so begins the book what I talk about, when I talk about running, a beautiful and insightful meditation on why some people run, and why it is the wrong fit for others.
"suffering is optional" has become my new running mantra, as my distance has increased and I have encountered some bumps in the road. this idea has really changed my mindset and reinforced the idea that I choose to run, no one is forcing me.
again, although running is integrated in my daily life, the parallels between living and running emerge. choices, always choices- even when you think there might not be one, there is. suffering is a choice, too. how you cope with things that happen and the choices you make influence your outlook. accepting that pain is part of the big picture, but that suffering is optional can alter your point of view and help you move on or look beyond, when necessary.
