The Benefits of Trying

One of my simple pleasures is running the tracks and trails of the mountain line that our house nestles into. It is on these pathways that I often lose myself in thought, or listen to podcasts on my iPod that cause me to think about what who I am, what I am doing in my life...and crazy stuff like that. Without trying to sound too fluffy about it, it gives me time to think and reflect. Like most people, I don't get too much spare time these days.
Yesterday, I really struggled with my run. Sore legs and a tired, sleep deprived body don't result in a nice jog. I wanted to stop trying, to walk home. But I persisted and got through my 30 minutes in one piece. It got me thinking about how easy it is not to try, to allow the little voice in our head to compel us to stop because things are too difficult.
As easy as it would be to stop in any difficult pursuit, the outcome is seldom desirable. In stopping, we often fail to do what may have been a fantastic achievement. We can all recall amazing stories of peoples persistence in the face of overwhelming odds. Their achievements were all the more amazing as a result of their ability to resist the temptation to stop.
So how does this relate to my world, or yours for that matter? Maybe the simple point is that some of the best things in life are a little bit harder to get and that they require a determination and resilience to achieve, to not stop when the going gets tough.
I want to succeed in the things that I do, to leave a mark for me and my family. So I am prepared to hang in there, to push hard, to try as best I can and, when I get knocked down in life, to get up again and again and continue to push. As I tell my boys, often the best things in life are a little bit harder to get but they are usually worth the effort.
So, please don't stop at the first hurdle in your life's "race", whatever that may be. Stumble maybe, stagger a little, but push on and do your best. As the old saying goes, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!
Those old philosophers really knew how to say it in simple terms, eh!
Have a GREAT day!
Lucky Phil