The Final Stretch

So often in life, we are faced with challenges and opportunities that require significant endurance. Life, consequently, becomes more of a marathon than a sprint. Although I have not yet run an actual marathon race, I can nonetheless imagine how one must feel leading up to Mile 26. The proverbial Final Stretch.

The exhaustion, the dehydration, the muscle cramping, and the roller-coaster of emotions that would likely accompany any runner despite months of preparation and conditioning.

In my opinion, there are many life experiences that mirror a marathon race.

• Selling, packing up, and moving to another home
• Finding and transitioning to a new career
• Preparing for final exams
• Deciding which university to attend
• Completing a post-secondary degree

In each of these situations, we ponder whether the choice to undertake such an activity was a wise decision, whether all factors were properly weighed and considered, and whether we have the needed strength, tools, and emotional stamina to persevere. When things don’t go as planned, and often they don’t, we may be tempted to throw in the towel. But in fact, just the opposite is required.

During the final stretch, we must dig deep to access those physical and psychological reserves, and lean in to the pain and exhaustion we often try to avoid. Because there is no greater joy than the exhilaration resulting from a job well done.

A new home. A new job. A great report card. A university acceptance letter. A framed degree. These are just a few examples of the amazing human potential to learn, grow, overcome obstacles, and stretch to that finish line.

But perhaps the best part of a job well done isn’t the final outcome, or the ‘prize’, but rather the knowledge that we have developed greater resilience, confidence, and strength to embrace the challenges and opportunities that inevitably lie ahead.

In Closing…

If you have an inspiring story of your personal journey to the proverbial (or actual) finish line, I would certainly love to hear it. Connect with me and let me know!

sincerelykayparent