By now, we have all heard about the Connecticut school shooting that took the lives of 20 innocent children and 6 teachers and adults. This terrible act is beyond comprehension. Simply beyond any words. I have not been able to stop thinking about why and how this happened. About the parents who sent their children off to school and will never see them again. About the husbands and wives that unknowingly shared their last hug or kiss yesterday morning. Many of us are going about our lives like we do every day – perhaps starting the morning with a long run, getting ready for a holiday party or even heading out for vacation. And yet, so many people are grieving.

I realize there is nothing any of us can do to turn back the clock on the Connecticut school shooting or prevent something like this from happening. I know that living more than 1,000 miles away I can’t bring those in the community a home-cooked meal or offer them a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen.

But perhaps there are a few things we can all do to honor this moment in time and everyone who has been forever changed by this tragedy.

1. Put your bad days into perspective. Lately I’ve found myself complaining about how much I have to do, how tired I feel or how disappointed I am that my weekly mileage is hovering somewhere near zero. Quit your bitching! Each day, let’s try to reflect on 1 to 3 things we are grateful and thankful for. Set aside time to truly think about the little things and the big things that make every day special. I know that I’m going to commit to thinking more before I speak or complain about something. I’m going to think about the families in Connecticut whose lives will never be the same and honor their sacrifice with my actions.
2. Balance the ugly with good. Let’s all commit to doing 3 kind things this week to demonstrate how much good is actually out there. Whether it is volunteering for a local charity or simply paying for the person’s coffee behind you at Starbucks, take an unexpected moment in someone’s life to make a small difference. We can’t change the heartbreaking events of yesterday, but we can try to bring some happiness and sunshine to our communities amidst this cloud of darkness.
3. Dedicate a run to honor the victims and families of the Connecticut school shooting. Whether it’s your weekly long run or an intense interval session, consider dedicating one of your runs this week to the people who were affected by the attack in Connecticut. Make it a time for thought, prayer and thankfulness.

We may not be able to do much, but we can all do something.

What are you most thankful and grateful for during this time of heartbreak? When a tragedy strikes, do you find that running helps you channel your anger or frustration into positive aggression or deep thought?