“Anywhere you go, there you are.” –Zen saying
Running Away Is Not A Solution
One of the jokes I used to make when faced with a less-than-pleasant client situation was to ask if I could run away and join the circus. This of course was back when there was still need for unskilled labor at a circus, because I have no acrobatic talent whatsoever. (I mean that. I broke a toe by tripping over nothing on a flat surface)
When I am faced with an overwhelming list of things to do, or I start to feel burnout creeping in, the first thing I want to do is run away.
And There You Are…
Unfortunately, running away doesn’t work in these cases. I know this because I have tried it more than once (it’s known as the “geographic cure” in some circles). I’ve noticed the tasks and projects just follow me. And to make matters worse, running away allows me to take on more projects and tasks, leading to more stress, and worsening the symptoms.
“Anywhere you go, there you are.” The Zen saying is one to remind us that we take ourselves with us always. We can’t escape from who we are, we can only change what we are doing in the moment.
So as much as running away to join the circus may appeal, it’s not an effective way to handle overwhelm.
Some Thoughts
The real work happens where you are. If overwhelm is the symptom, then the solution lies in examining what creates that overwhelm—boundaries, priorities, capacity, or perhaps the nature of the work itself. Changing location doesn’t change those dynamics.
Burnout often signals misalignment. Sometimes the feeling of wanting to run points to something deeper: work that doesn’t fit your values, relationships that drain rather than sustain, or expectations that don’t match reality.
Acceptance isn’t resignation. Recognizing that “there you are” doesn’t mean giving up. It means starting from an honest place. You can’t fix what you’re pretending isn’t there.
In Conclusion
Is this something you’re currently navigating, or is this wisdom you’ve accumulated over time? Either way, it’s a useful reminder to carry forward.
