You can outrun what is running after you, but not what is running inside of you

“You can outrun what is running after you, but not what is running inside of you.”

African Proverb

“You can outrun what is running after you, but not what is running inside of you.” This African proverb teaches us something important: trying to escape from outside problems won’t make them go away. Trying to outrun your own shadow would be difficult! Rather, it entails facing your fears, doubts, and problems head-on. Imagine yourself running from a shadow that follows you no matter how fast you move away from it because it is a part of you rather than something outside of yourself. 

The saying suggests that our inner troubles will follow us around unless we resolve them. This proverb also advises us to confront our problems head-on as opposed to avoiding them. Only until we confront and deal with what’s inside can we truly find quiet and peace. 

Many of us believe that escaping or hiding brings temporary relief, but in reality, it worsens the problem. The longer an issue persists, the worse it becomes and, in some situations, impossible to contain. Do not be lured by short-term comforts at the expense of long-term peace. “You can outrun what is running after you, but not what is running inside of you.”