I do have a morbid side.  It’s true.  I’ve also been trying to change some bad habits I have in my life including trying to let the daily stresses in life not get me down.  For me, it is a tough goal.

I read this book Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be.  It is a great book, and one thing that comes back over and over is patience and perspective on your life and the life of others.  To help with this, I’ve started my own private ritual.  I’ve been jogging once a week through the graveyard in town.

I know, initially it sounds morbid – how would surrounding myself with the dead make me feel better about life?  Well, it does.  The graveyard in my town is on top of a beautiful hill overlooking the green mountains.  It’s quiet.  No traffic.  Nice view.

When my mind starts to get the better of me – and right now, it almost always does, I look at the closest grave and think “If Theo Walker (1928-1992) were here, would he tell you worrying about this is a good use of my time?”  or “Would Francis Marlow feel like you have made any choices in your life that are truly unforgivable?”  and “If David Williams could have his life back, would he spend the time worrying about this issue?”

It sounds silly, but when confronted by the fact that we are all on this planet for a small period of time it helps to put your problems and issues in perspective.  I don’t do a lot of hold-your-hand self help stuff, but this little ritual seems to speak to me.

And regardless, it may be a tough climb, but at the end there is a hell of a view.  Enjoy.

I’m not the only one who likes running in the cemetery:

• Confessions of a Cemetary Runner
• The Stairs
• Even Poetry –  Running in Prospect Cemetary