Well. This might be a little off. But, it may be right on too. You can be the judge. In the end, I don't care. Your, gentle reader, opinion matters little to me. Some people's opinions matter more than others. That is just the way it is. That is the honest truth. With that out of the way, on with the blog.
The following may have something to do with athletic endeavors, which is why it is here. But, I am afraid that its ideas are much farther reaching than that.
On Tuesday night, last (I just love writing like that), my lovely and loving wife asked me, "Don't you ever get tired of being exceptional at everything?" I, of course, said, "No." I have found simple, one word answers the easiest and the most communicative.
The thing is, I said it as just a quick response. Or so I thought. But, the more I thought on it (you see, my iPod took a dump and I was forced to run with my own thoughts - THE HORROR!) the more I realized that I actually meant it.
What she was referring to at the time is not of consequence. What is, is that I am proud of the things I have done (and do) well in my life. I know that it is popular, and socially expected, to be ultra humble about most things and that putting one's self above society is not in vogue. You know what? Forget that! Let's start celebrating the things we do well. I am going to come out and say that it is OK to succeed. It is OK to do something well. It is also OK to do something better than someone else. It happens. That's a fact.
Somewhere in the not so distant past we stopped, or were told to stop, celebrating individual accomplishments. Why? I can guess. But, I think that is my big question. Where, and when, did the individual's accomplishment get vilified? I know that is too deep of a question for most. But, the next time you are without your iPod, give it a think. Or, maybe throw away your iPod and just think about it. This might just be that important.
Now, for the time being, be proud of what you have done. Did you set a new PR? Good for you. Did you get yourself out of bed to train (on a treadmill or bike trainer even) when it was easier to push the snooze button and listen to the pitter pad of the rain? Even better for you.
Just because the rest of society puts no value in those things does not mean they have no value. Heck, I would even argue, that because they do put no value upon those things is exactly why they have great value.
Summary: Get out there and do what you want to. Do what makes you happy. Set a goal, believe in that goal, and work to achieve it. No matter what others say or think of the goal, it is yours to have. Remember it is you that places value on the things you do. Do the things that have value to you (Not like the dishes. Those have to be done so you don't live in a pig sty). And, do them well. You will be rewarded. This I am sure of.
Don't apologize for your accomplishments, whatever they may be, and do not apologize for the rewards that your accomplishments reap.
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