An unexpected metaphore

"Grace! Who are you racing?", asked Mandrew as I skated by.

"Myself", I replied. Then I flipped him off. I'm sure he had made some sort of snarkey comment making him deserve the gesture. It's all in good fun though. Mandrew is a friend.

The relay race was over. The other team pulled it in quicker and I am slowed by back pain. I knew as I sprinted that I'd be doing push ups for losing, and I knew I was the only one left since Doll Steak was back with her relay team before I even started.

But for me, the race was still on. It wasn't time to quit. I was the only one on the floor, but you know what? As long as I was still out there, it wasn't over. And there was no reason not to give it what I had (which honestly wasn't much). I could have coasted through, I could have quit as soon as I saw Doll Steak pass me going the other direction. It wouldn't have done me any good to quit without finishing. it would have negated all the hard work of the ladies that skated in front of me.

The point is, that life is really only a race against yourself. As a unique individual, there's NO WAY you can be exactly like someone else. You can learn lessons from them, you can emulate them in the search for similar success, but truly, when it comes down to it, you are alone and responsible for your own success. If you quit before you finish, you are only cheating yourself and anyone who might be looking to you for inspiration. You never know who is watching you

I came in last. I did my push ups. I stood up knowing that I should remember this lesson. I have some interesting times coming up. My offer was accepted and I still haven't quite figured out where the money for down payment will come from. I know I will find it though. The race wasn't over when I looked at my empty savings account. I have money stashed here and there; somehow, it will add up, I know it. I'm at a Bubbly Creations crossroads. I'm not sure where I will find the energy and time to make it happen, but I know I will. There was a moment recently when I thought the race was over, but I am confident that it isn't. I just wasn't giving it my all. Actually, I wasn't giving it anything.

I know Mandrew was teasing me when he asked who I was racing against. And I'm pretty damn sure he didn't expect that it would turn into a motivational speech on the importance of finishing the race. About pushing even when you are the only one running. Whatever. I'll take my inspiration wherever I can get it. Without that comment, I would have just come in last in the relay race.