Getting it back.

I'm pretty sure most people have, at some point in their life, lost something important to them. Think about it. Think back to a time when something (maybe even someone) really valuable to you was misplaced, or lost, or left.

Remember how you felt? Remember the frustration of it not being where you wanted it to be? Think about how much time you spent trying to find it or get it back. Think about how much it consumed your every thought. I mean, this thing was important to you. It was part of you.

Remember the sadness when you started to realize it might never come back? The disappointment that you might never see it again? Think about it -- did you almost even mourn the loss? Go through feelings of missing it? Wanting it back, and feeling the hole that was left in its place?

The feelings are the same whether it's a person, a treasured memento, or, say, running.

And when it leaves you -- either by choice, by accident, or for some other reason, it's difficult to deal with.

But if you're lucky, you get it back.
At first, there's a glimpse. A hint it may return.
You may even get some help searching for it.
Then, when you aren't even looking, it's right there in front of you.

The frustrations disappear, the sadness replaced by hope and renewed appreciation.

There is new perspective, new enthusiasm, new happiness. There may even be renewed strength and renewed focus.

After all the frustration and disappointment, getting it back is a really good thing...