Running the Marathon of Life: A Lesson in Calmness
Dear friends, today I want to share a story from my past, a story that taught me the importance of calmness in the face of adversity. It’s a story about running a marathon, but it’s also a story about life.
The Starting Line
Many years ago, I found myself standing at the starting line of my first marathon. I was surrounded by hundreds of other runners, all of us filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The air was thick with anticipation, and as the starting gun fired, we surged forward as one.
The First Mile
The first mile was exhilarating. The crowd cheered us on, and I felt invincible. But as the miles wore on, the initial excitement faded. My legs began to ache, my breath grew short, and I could feel the first stirrings of doubt creeping in.
The Wall
Then, around mile 20, I hit the wall. My body screamed for me to stop, my mind was filled with thoughts of giving up. But in that moment, I remembered a piece of wisdom my father once shared with me. He said, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not about how fast you run, but how well you endure.“
Finding Calmness
So, I slowed down. I took deep, calming breaths. I focused on the rhythm of my footsteps, the feeling of the wind against my skin, the sound of my own heartbeat. I found a place of calm within myself, a place that allowed me to keep going, one step at a time.
The Finish Line
And then, before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line. I was exhausted, yes, but I was also filled with a sense of accomplishment. I had faced adversity, I had endured, and I had come out the other side stronger for it.
The Lesson
Friends, life is much like a marathon. There will be times when you feel like you can’t go on, when the road ahead seems too long and too hard. But remember, it’s not about how fast you run, but how well you endure. Find your place of calm, take it one step at a time, and you will cross your finish line.
Stay calm, stay strong, and keep running your race.
Until next time,
Kev