May 8: Staying Positive By Running

The stress Jodi Sampson experienced after being told her two-year-old son had cancer could have been unbearable if it weren’t for the relief she found in running as exercise.

After six years of chemotherapy, her son was declared cancer-free. But then, Sampson was diagnosed with breast cancer herself.  Her doctors thought exercise could still be beneficial, even during radiation treatments.  So, she made sure to keep on running.

Now thankfully cancer-free, Sampson shared these tips with Fitness magazine about how “sweating kept her sane:”

▪ Put life on pause: “I couldn’t control what happened in the hospital, but I could lace up my sneakers, grab my iPod and hit the road.  When I returned, I felt like I was better able to cope.”

▪ Write it down: “I made two lists—one of things that stressed me out and another of those that made me happy.  It helped me pick activities that made me feel good.”

▪ Reach out: “It’s hard for me to ask for help from others, but I’m learning.”

Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen

your weak knees.  (Hebrews 12:12)

Help us to stay active in the midst of our distress, Father.