In my mind, air conditioning has one single job--to provide relief from heat. However, on this sweltering summer day, a rarity in the state of Wisconsin, it seemed as though fate had conspired against me. I wiped my sweaty forehead and was instantly reminded of my current disgusting state. Sitting alongside my team mate, accompanied by our unpleasant aroma, we soaked in our post practice disappointment. My hands rushed to the air conditioning controls in hopes to encounter some sort of cool relief. Aggressively turning the notch I was met with a gruesome whip of hot air. The irony of an object solely meant for one job not fulfilling its purpose did not escape me.
It had only been a year prior when I impulsively ended a thirteen year long dance career. With the blink of an eye, everyday practices were now an open block in my calendar. Faced with new found free time, I turned to running as an escape from my thoughts of doubt and regret. The moments where my brain was convinced I had made a life altering mistake running became my solace. The minute I felt my heart racing against my chest I was reminded of the bigger picture--I was simply living on a floating rock. As summer ended and my tan went with it, I began to seek a new purpose. Led by curiosity I emailed a girl on the cross country team, the only one I knew, wondering about the possibility of joining. Her immediate response notifying me that the first practice was the next day felt like a divine sign.
Now, one year later, accompanied by the same teammate that urged me to join, I expressed my frustration. I had initially envisioned the success and joy coming at a rapid pace but that was far from what I had been experiencing. Running itself was a challenge, however, constantly falling short of your own expectations took a toll on my mindset.
Then, in a flawlessly timed moment, a refreshing breeze greeted my cheeks as it flowed from the car's vents. Instantly, a wave of relief washed over me transforming my discomfort to comfort. I couldn’t contain the smile that automatically appeared across my face. I turned towards my teammate as she pointed to the air freshener hanging on my dashboard, which bore the words, “Good Things Take Time.” I laughed at the playful reminder teasing my current mental state.
An athlete can constantly train to their limit yet still disappoint themselves just as a student can study the material front and back and do the same. In the thick of these uncertain moments, however, one must focus on what they can control--their mindset. Rain is inevitable and mountains are a part of life that are unavoidable. When a mindset is altered it's easy to see that the mountain has only ever been you. It may not come automatically, but when it does the fresh air will be worth the wait.
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