One of the most surreal things to hear someone say is that you motivate or inspire them. That you are the reason they have the power to wake up in the morning and run. That every time they go through something tough in life they think of you and they find the strength to get through it. That someone considers you their hero.
This past week I was able to hear that. I had a wonderful opportunity to tell my story. To give the rest of the world a peek into what I go through, what I deal with, and what I overcome every single day of my life. I was able to show what living with a chronic illness is like; what my daily routine consists of; the pills, the nebulizers, and the machinery. A peek into how I try my best to balance a full-time job, managing two chronic illnesses, and still finding time to do what I love - RUN. A peek into the mindset of what it's like to live and fight and battle every single day for every single breath. A peek into the mindset of what it's like to not know what the future holds; to not plan for the long-term; to not take anything for granted. A peek into my life.
At this point in time my video has close to 80,000 views. I've received emails and notes from my closest friends, from people I haven't spoken to in over 20 years, and from people I've never met. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that this video would spread like this. Never did I imagine to hear the things I've heard from people. Never did I imagine that Cory Booker would post it on his Facebook page, that Business Insider would call this the "story that will inspire you to do anything," that hundreds of my friends would repost, and that people I've never met would comment and be inspired. Never did I imagine that what I do on a daily basis, what I consider normal, would drive and motivate and inspire people to be their best. Never did I imagine that I can have that impact on so many people.
And it's amazing what you learn. As I said in the video I run because I love it. I run because it puts me in my happy place and brings a smile to my face. I run because it gives me a sense of freedom. Free from CF. Free from work. Free from everyone and everything. I learned that I love to run more and more each day. I learned that I can continue to do anything and everything. I learned, once again, that there is nothing in this world that can stop me. As long as you want something and you have the drive, motivation, and determination that you can do anything. I've learned and accepted that you don't have to be the best. I'm not going to win every race. I'm not even going to come close, but I learned that at the end of the day you don't have to be the best, you just have to be your best. And with that there are no limits.
the twitter: @LungsontherunSB
Click here to watch the full video
