It’s not about the race

#runforwomen

I just competed my second “virtual race”. This was not necessarily a challenging distance for me and virtual racing is not nearly as exciting as the live event, but it’s not about the race.

I was invited to join the team to run and raise funds and awareness about woman‘s mental health.

As I ran today, alone with my thoughts, I vowed not only to walk the walk (or run the run), but I also to talk the talk.

I felt lucky, as I ran, realizing that running had played a huge role in not only allowing me to maintain physical fitness, but also helped immensely with my mental health. When I run, I feel like I can breathe.

Mental health has never been an easy conversation topic, but it has never been a more pressing subject. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on so many and so many more are suffering silently through the pandemic, not because of the virus, but rather from anxiety, depression and isolation.

We need to start opening up as a society in order to neutralize these silent killers.The system is flawed; wait times and red tape can be obstacles that are too great to surpass.

We need to be there for one another. We need to share stories so the “secret” gets out and there is a call to action.

So to do my part in the call to action and to honour all those who are struggling, be it with a diagnosed mental illness or just going through a rough patch, I ask you all to reach out to someone you care about. Ask them if you can do something to ease their burden. Go fo walk with them. If the need more than just a friendly shoulder to cry on or a cup of tea, make the call for them. The system can slam so many doors in your face and when you are struggling, these obstacles can be paralyzing.

To my friends, please know if you need me, I will gladly hold your cup for you. I will make the call. I will help you find the way. I will shine the light on your path, so you can see your way.

That, my friends, is Grit&Grace. 💪🏻❤️