What’s Up, Lovely People!
Living up to the purpose of You Have Impact feels near-impossible, but we are committed to giving everything with every letter typed. We’ll be stronger with you by our side.
Writing words, emails and blogs to make you smile, motivate you to exercise, to help you feel better about yourself, and to show that You Have Impact on everything… It sounds so simple, but it means that our content has to come from the heart, with no other objectives, not ruined because we need ‘likes’ or that we are chasing advertising revenue.
Every. Word. Matters. Just like every conversation and action you have, the purpose is to be kinder, stronger, and to have more courage. But how the fu*k is an email or blog supposed to achieve that? We are still working that out, so please help if and when you can.
Let us know what we can do to make it better, share with us.. What are the writings that will help you get out of bed with more happiness? This is about you; how we help you (and everyone else) be better, whatever that means for you today, tomorrow, and forever.
Big things, tiny things, saying hello to someone and making their day, or simply putting on your trainers and running - let’s make the most of what we are given, let’s let go of our problems, and squeeze it all from every second we have.
Easy to say, hard to achieve.
But always helped by our friend, Running.
Running, the biggest but most undervalued sport in the world, is one part of how You Have Impact can have more impact on us, you, and the rest of the world.
Running can make anyone a happier person. The best thing about it… you do not have to be an athlete to run.
You just need to put one foot in front of the other. One slow step can make you a runner.
The Impact of Running…
Sh*t, running hurts, I can’t do that!
As does running away from life.
Everyone can run, if you have no legs, you can still run!
Running helps with every aspect of life. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, exercise your mind. Running is not just about moving from A to B, it’s about finding your spirit in everything you do. Yes, that sounds like wanky bullsh*t, but what if that were true? What’s better than being happy right now?
Moments of joy, they are all that matter.
You understand the science; exercise helps clear our mind, it produces endorphins, it gives us at least two hours of focus after a decent run or session in the gym. But more importantly than all of that, it gives us a chance to think about our goals, it produces ideas that will add value to our day, it makes us consider how to be nicer to people next time we see them.
Running, or any level of mental or physical exercise, gives us time to keep improving. It helps you win gold; to achieve contentment.
To find what we’re all looking for, I have searched in the depths or drug-filled abysses, and the heights of chemical-inducing ultra events. But it wasn't the extremes that got me to the goal, it was the peace-creating middle ground of what’s right in front of us the whole time: casual running.
It has taken 42 years to feel happy more than I do sad, but it’s been a fun (and dangerous) adventure along the way. Running has always been there for me, even when I couldn't understand it.
Hopefully it can be there for you to. We all need support, we all have tough times, but running can be one of your crutches to get you through. But just like life, it is not that easy.
Running and Perseverance
Today, I can’t be fu*ked to go for a run. I feel lazy, tired, uninspired and in no way ready to put on my trainers.
But still, I will force my way out of the door. I am not fit right now, but I do not want to get even fatter, slower or more broken than my years should show. It is time to monkey-up, and run.
45 minutes later…
Nice. I feel 35 again, in great shape, and ready for anything the day has to offer. I want to run every day now, whilst believing I can look like Brad Pitt in Fight Club,if I just do a few sit ups before each session, my belly will disappear within months. I am a warrior!
That is the impact of running!
It’s not as if I loved every step of those 5 miles, quite the opposite, but at roughly halfway, the dopamine kicked in, my head was cleared, and I could see a path to being stronger that day.
The last mile was hard, draining, but at the end, the feeling of accomplishment triumphed over the pain.
I am a runner, no matter how fast or slow I go. Just like you, having the courage to even put on your shoes and step out of the door, that makes you a runner, that makes us strong, that makes us a community of people that like to improve ourselves and the people around us.
Smile fool, as you are a runner too. You’ve put on your running shoes, you did not let fear get in the way of finding what is on the other side. You make the world a better place.
For many years, running has provided an outlet for freedom, clarity and joy. Persevering with this weird hobby has not led me to be an athlete, far from it; instead it has guided me through mental instability, self-value issues, physical challenges, parenting, life, death, love and drama.
Running is worth the pain. In fact, running stops the pain. You never regret a run, but you often regret being a lazy pr*k. True across all parts of life.
However, for me, for everyone, motivation comes and goes, it is a battle for even the most active out there, they just find the time to pluck themselves up and put on their trainers more than most. We can all be that brave.
Whatever you do in life that brings you joy, whether that’s jogging, maths, playing the piano, football, writing or navigating your career, keep persevering. You will eventually reach the destination, which is always within the journey itself. There is no end point for happiness, it’s found in every step. Just make sure you’re kind whilst doing it, impact is a two-way street.
Motivation & Inspiration
"What we do in life echoes in eternity."
Maximus Decimus Meridius, Gladiator
Today is a chance to embrace your potential and create change. Running is not just about the physical benefits, it's about the impact it can have on your mind and soul. Start with a small bit of exercise, no pressure to perform, then see what and how you can push on. Feeling good is about progress, yours and others’. Today's running start: 10 butt kickers as what we do in life echoes in eternity.You got this!
Until next time, your faithful servant,
Samson Hopes of You Have Impact.
A total fu*kwit, surviving on moments of luck. A happy but befuddled friend, dad, and husband. A tired, anxious, middle-aged, and searching man. An adventurer, dreamer, and philosopher of sorts. A frustrated introvert, writing memoirs about an extroverted life.
Motivation | Health | Thought | Improvement
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