Learning the art of running against the wind

Feel like you’re always running against the wind? Life comes at us often and unexpectedly.

If you want to run with the horses, play with the big boys and make a difference, perhaps it’s time to stop complaining and learn the art of running against the wind.

It’s where the fruit is, it’s where the victories are, and it’s where you’ll grow, become more robust and overcome. Remember, victories don’t come by accident, and the fruit is usually on the end of the branch.

Now, to be sure, you want to confirm that you aren’t running against God’s wind, but in today’s convoluted world, running against the wind may be just what God designed for your life. Going with the flow and taking the easy way could put you in the line of sheep being led to slaughter.

Take a lesson from the bald eagle: It flies toward the storm and into the wind to gain altitude and advantage. Other birds flee the wind and the storm. Planes take off into the wind. In fact, an aircraft carrier turns into the wind before its jets launch. Want to move up? Want to fly higher and see what you’re missing?

The next time you face adversity or trials, don’t shy away. Don’t tuck tail and run. Don’t set up camp until the storm passes or the wind dies down. Learn the art of running against the wind. Here are a few tips:

• Don’t fight it. Relish and revel in the wind at your face.
• Take someone with you. You may run faster alone, but you’ll run farther together.
• Lean into the wind. Don’t fight it, but develop a steady pace with smaller, consistent steps.
• Don’t listen to the naysayers. They’re stuck in a rut going the other way.
• Don’t give up. You may be almost to your pinnacle.
• Watch out for the gusts, those explosive blasts of wind that can take you out.

Above all, pace yourself. It’s okay to take a break to catch your breath. You’re in a marathon, not a sprint, and since most people are going the other way, you’re already the winner.

• I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars. ~Jim Rohn.
• In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive. ~Lee Iacocca.
• When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. ~Henry Ford.
• Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. ~John Wooden.
• I’m older now but still running against the wind. ~Bob Seger