Why I run and dance

Tomorrow, I have two events very close to my heart.

The mental health world is so complicated and so deeply scary. But also, filled with so much hope.

I don’t run to be fit.

I run because it means something.

Every time I lace up, it reminds me of what I went through.

It reminds me, that not everyone makes it, but some of us do.

I was one of those people that wasn’t sure if I would.

And yet, I am here.

We know what the deep pain feels like, and that’s why we want to make it better for the next person.

We pray that you do not suffer like we did.

Every time I dance, it reminds me of the joy I felt before the pain.

And I am grateful for all of the joy now.

But I don’t want to forget.

I don’t want to forget what I went through, because if I did, someone else might be forgotten.

And we do forget people, some days maybe I do to.

But, right when I run and right when I dance, it reminds me.

I don’t do this to be fit. I do this to inspire. And to remind you of that girl.

That beautiful, innocent girl, in a very scary world.

Please don’t forget her. And please, don’t forget anyone else.

We all deserve a fair shot, but we aren’t all given it.