I understand this movement of time and the reasons my children must embrace every moment away from us. I understand it, because I used to be that 20-year-old who longed to leave home again, to “adult” as they say. In 1992, I knew my parents mourned my leaving for college. I recognized and felt the tension of their desire that I stay and my strong desire to leave. And I knew that I must leave if I ever wanted to become a whole person. Wholeness. It makes me think of Jesus’ mother, Mary.

How do we find blessings outside of our comfort zones? The key is in the movement. Just as St. Paul uses running in a race as a metaphor for endurance in the spiritual life, I have discovered that running benefits my mind, body and spirit. Here are seven ways that I have discovered blessings outside of my comfort zone.