This has been a really tough week emotionally for me as my father of 73 years old passed away this past Sunday night (May 5). He had been fighting cancer for a long time but it finally got the best of him. It's been painful to watch him the last couple of years as the cancer had metastized into his bones and was excruciating for him. Amazingly, he always maintained a positive outlook and just kept hoping that a cure or at least relief would be around the corner. The doctors finally gave us the word a little over a month ago that all treatments and options had been exhausted. Our goal become one of treatment to one of keeping him comfortable while the cancer rapidly took over. It was tough but the gift is that we were able to spend several weeks saying goodbye and expressing our love. I've spent a lot of time thinking about all that my father did and meant to me. I especially have given a lot of thought to the wisdom and tools that he gave me throughout my life. He was a true renaissance man; a father, loving husband, preacher, teacher, mentor, entrepreneur, builder, mechanic, musician, and an outdoorsman. He was also my best friend. He loved the outdoors and all that it meant. It is where my love of running and athletic endeavors comes from.
I think of all the wisdom and life tools that he imparted to me, and one that I wanted to share with you, was his constant positive outlook and willingness to achieve his dreams. My dad never met a task that he wouldn't or couldn't tackle. I think of the obstacles that many of us face in life and how we approach them. He taught me to face it and find a way to deal with it whether it was a problem in school, at home, in business, or just life in general. He was never afraid to simply try even if he knew nothing about it. How many people fail to achieve their dreams because they are either afraid of tackling the challenge or think that they lack the skills to make it happen. My dad would have asked "so what"? What is holding you back? Why aren't you doing the thing that you want? Is it to open a business, find a new career, or something more simple like get in shape. Thinking about getting in shape to run a marathon, half-marathon, or even a 5K, the point is not necessarily to be the fastest or to win a medal, but to get up and toe the line. Just to show up and stand at the starting line is an achievement in and of itself. So what if you don't run the best race, or run the fastest, or win a medal. There is always the next race. Don't be afraid of what might be but do take action and make the attempt.
I'm always excited to see those individuals at the race who have jumped off the couch and made the effort to participate. They may come in last but I guarantee you that they get the biggest applause at the finish. Setting the goal and making the effort is everything. Because of this business, I have the opportunity every week to see people of all skills and from all walks of life getting out and participating. I'm certainly impressed with those who have the skills to be the fastest, but I have true respect for all of those that make the effort to stand at the starting line and go. Are you achieving your dream? Go for it.
