"Run the race. Don't let the race run you."

onacruse

I'm not a big sports fan (I usually just ignore that section of the newspaper ), but these Olympics have been somewhat inspiring. So, as I was reading along, I saw a column about Dan Browne, an American running in the 10,000-meter final.

Now, he knew, and everybody knew, that he didn't have any hope of winning that race, what with the overwhelmingly dominant Kenyans and Ethiopians as his competitors.

But, he decided to go for it, and took the lead, even if only for one lap (#2 out of 25), and stuck right in the pack for another 3 laps. He ended up finishing 12th, and walked away as proud as any man or woman could be.

What struck me as I was reading this was that it made me think of how we, as exJWs, often feel like we're in a race: a race to make up for lost time, a race to salvage what we can from lost families and friends, a race to reconstruct ourselves, a race to get a retirement fund.

But, as the commentator said: "Run the race. Don't let the race run you."

Craig (just doing a little Saturday morning muse here )

LittleToe

THAT is the Olympic spirit.

Do you remember last olympics the guy who was fielded for the swimming, who could barely swim?
He got incredible sponsorship - LOL

In the "race of life" we all have our strengths and weaknesses.
We may feel we got dealt a bum hand, but hey, we got plenty of practice at public speaking!

Carmel

Science had proven it! We're all one race!

Steve Egner

Hey Craig,

it made me think of how we, as exJWs, often feel like we're in a race: a race to make up for lost time, a race to salvage what we can from lost families and friends, a race to reconstruct ourselves, a race to get a retirement fund.

A similar attitude was exhibited by WWII vets, upon their return home, after years away at war. As Tom Brokaw describes in his book, "The Greatest Generation", many of these attacked life with an incredible zeal, accomplishing amazing things. They saw time as a tangible asset, and appreciated life in ways that those unscathed by war could not.

While reading the book, I couldn't help but notice parallels to ex witnesses. Many of us have come to appreciate "time" as never before, and are now making better use of it.

The life examples in the book are inspiring, and I recall them often, as I try to face the life ahead with the same vigor. I'm going to keep biting off great, big, chunks of life, from now on.

"Run the race. Don't let the race run you."

This is excellent advice. While it still comes down to one's personal approach to life, I would add, "Don't avoid the race. Face it, and run your best."

Steve

onacruse

Steve, why is it that I still have this image in my mind of you as a go-getter? Wouldn't have anything to do with that typically sweaty brow of yours, would it? LOL

"Don't avoid the race. Face it, and run your best."

Yes!!!!!!!!!

I thrive on that spirit in life. We've all been beaten down, in one way or another...licked our wounds, and face the prospect of wounds yet to come.

Life comes at ya hard, and usually doesn't give many (or any) alternatives.

Though, sometimes, it does...if we sieze the moment and take the chance.

xenawarrior

Yes!!!!!!!!!
I thrive on that spirit in life. We've all been beaten down, in one way or another...licked our wounds, and face the prospect of wounds yet to come.
Life comes at ya hard, and usually doesn't give many (or any) alternatives.
Though, sometimes, it does...if we sieze the moment and take the chance.

AMEN!!

I'd also like to know how you begin and end the day in such a cerebral way !! Can I have some of that?

Hugs at ya both !!

XW

onacruse

XW, Dangitallanyway, I just realized that I misspelled "seize," and you'd already c/p-ed my post, so how can I now hide my sins? LOL

As far as being "cerebral" is concerned: it has serious limitations.

xenawarrior

bwahhhhaaaaaa, you can type but you can not hide

I'd like a little dose of those "limitations" if I could understand quantum mechanics just for 20 minutes!!

fair trade off I'd say !!

"Run the race. Don't let the race run you."

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