Murakami is a man who has lived his life one step in front of the other. After graduating college he became a self-starting entrepreneur that started a successful bar somewhere near Osaka and then later decided to completely drop everything and switch to being a full-time novelist during a moment of clarity while sitting in the lawn section at a local baseball game. He never had any formal training of any kind, but continued to persue his passions until they were fulfilled. He also happened to run at least one marathon a year during the whole transition from business owner to successful, world renowned author.
... so how does this relate to the big picture? Or rather, this blog? Well, it all started with the throwing around of an idea four or five months ago. I was working an event for Sports Basement when the women working with me told me about the Mermaid Triathlon later in the year. I had heard about the race previously, and intended on doing it numerous times, but I never really got around to actually doing it when the time came. That is until today.
Finishing today was really not about the actual race. In my eyes, I showed myself that I could really do whatever it is I plan on doing-- as long as I actually commit my time in a meaningful way. Murakami's mantra is very much applicable to both endurance sports and life in general. As humans we face many challenges. We must all live our lives and experience the bitter sting of pain and rejection... but the suffering can be optional. How long we decide to let feelings linger or consume our thoughts is our choice. The thing about most hurtful experiences in life is that we always learn a lesson. If one chooses to vie for a quick turnaround from a learning experience, great strides will be made. At a time when I see many of my friends in similar cirtumstances as myself, where everything is made up of uncertain promises and untapped potential, it's easy to see why so many of us feel lost in the mix. We stay at jobs for security or continued independence, and we also leave jobs to find more promising avenues for the future... either way, it's all up in the air. The end goal is in sight but still not 100% clear. Even though I am unable to tangibly construct an idea of what I would constitute as an ideal life situation at this moment, I think the biggest goal I am working to accomplish is loving what I do- every single day.
Today, I feel like I've gained some great perception on things I can turn around and improve on in my daily activities. I don't know if it's the runner's high or what, but I feel good. The world is our oyster, and I'm pulling up to the cold bar.
Currently listening to: Daylight by Matt and Kim
Currently Reading: Merle's Door
