Equanimity in Essence

As some of you may know, I have been fundraising for Suicide Awareness and Prevention initiatives. While this might just seem like an excuse to talk more about how I run, I swear it is something more. Suicide is something that has impacted us all in one way or another. Some of us have lost loved ones, friends, and family members because of suicide. I wanted to take the month of September to raise awareness and funds for Suicide Awareness and Prevention.

My initial goal was three hundred dollars because throughout my training for an upcoming half marathon, I will run three hundred miles. Little did I know, I would reach this initial goal in less than a week! Seriously, my network absolutely crushed this goal. Since reaching this, I have updated my goal to one thousand dollars. The idea of reaching $1,000 is unreal to me, but here I am, so close to meeting my new goal. One of the most surprising and moving things has been the individuals have reached out to me and have donated. Most of those who have donated are young working professionals and hard-working moms. These people have given. Even if they do not have a lot to give, they have been so generous. Their generosity has absolutely moved me and my faith in everyone. I want to share a couple things with you all that I learned while running and fundraising.

• Yes, I like running. And yes, I know how crazy people think that is sometimes. But the truth is, I am just like all of you. Yes, I might get up a little early and go on a run for “fun.” But in all honesty, I struggle doing this. I struggle a lot. Some days, I do not feel like dragging my tired body out of bed. I do not feel like moving or sweating. As you might know, I sweat a lot. You might have seen how motivated I look on social media while “running miles and raising awareness,” but the truth is, it’s the least I can do for a cause like this.
• You have all motivated me. In the past couple weeks, I have wanted to skip training runs (so badly). Before clicking ‘snooze’ and rolling over to catch another nap, I thought of my supporters (and my fundraising promise). I thought about the people who reached out and encouraged me for raising money for such an important cause. I thought of the people who might have been (or are currently) struggling with their mental health. I thought about the loved ones we have lost to suicide. You might not think your comments or donation went unnoticed, but I appreciate it more than you know.
• We all struggle. When you are struggling, it might feel like you are alone. In reality, you do not have to struggle alone (unless you want to). I reached out to my network for support. For financial support of all kinds. I was met with such warm and inspiring support that it has move me.

And that my friends, is why I run.

Thanks for reading!

-Mikaela

P.S. If you have not donated and would like to, check out my page (link below) or message me for more details.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/suicideawarenessandmileswithmik?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR0x6S0qGU-Q3KX0GUe6RGmnm4y5Qy5Zbm_MibMbZ2TWqSyPaY8YUGeFCZs