Read on Twitter
It’s taken me a while to put my finger on this, but today it finally came to me.
First, a preface. I try and find silver linings and hidden meanings in everything in life. It’s part of my upbringing and ethos. It can be annoying to some at times, but bear with me here. 1/
First, a preface. I try and find silver linings and hidden meanings in everything in life. It’s part of my upbringing and ethos. It can be annoying to some at times, but bear with me here. 1/
When the pandemic hit, everyone was forced to pivot and change their way of being. People lost work while others (like teachers) had to quickly learn a new way to work. Lives and lifestyles changed. 2/
The family and friend dynamic was also forced to change. Social distancing affected gatherings and schools. We had to be mindful of not only ourselves but our neighbors well-being. 3/
We started walking more. Waving to neighbors and smiling at them so big you hope they could tell we were smiling through our masks. We started checking in on each other more and creating new ways to be social. 4/
While we’ve all been traveling different paths, there was some comfort in knowing that we were all traveling in somewhat the same direction. We all tried to help each other as best as we could while still keeping a safe distance. 5/
Now with the winter weather event here in Texas, I’m noticing even more neighborly actions. People volunteering to give free wood to neighbors in need. Restaurants giving away free food for those in need of a hot meal. 6/
A young man with a massive 4x4 offering to pull cars out of ditches and give rides to those in need. A neighbor offering their hot shower to those without. Humanity seems to shine at times like these. 7/
When I ran a marathon in 2003, there was a couple of moments that I’ve harkened back to lately. When I started the race, I had a lot of energy and motivation. That was me last March. We could get through this as long as we stayed steady and didn’t sprint or stop for too long. 8/
After about 10 miles, my initial adrenaline had started to wear off and doubt started to set in. (This was around the fall of 2020) At that point during the race, I noticed complete strangers cheering me on and offering me refreshment and support at every mile. 9/
They didn’t know me, but they wanted me to keep on going. They wanted me to succeed. And their energy refilled my motivation. 10/
At about mile 20, I hit the dreaded wall. Both of my calf muscles froze up and I fell down. I was cramping severely. At that moment, my friends and family(who had been tracking my progress) came and helped pick me up. 11/
They became my cheer leaders and offered to run with me the rest of the way. I broke down several times after that, but kept going. I wanted to quit, but they wouldn’t let me. I had come too far. 12/
At the end, when I saw the finish line, adrenaline kicked back in. I felt no pain. I actually sped up. Full sprint. My friends had left to run ahead and cheer me on when I crossed the line.
I had done it. 13/
I had done it. 13/
In thinking about that day and this past year, there have been times where I’ve needed support from strangers and they’ve been there. There have been times I’ve wanted to quit, but they wouldn’t let me. I was too close. 14/
Now during this moment (what I would call the dreaded wall) with pandemic and winter apocalypse all around me, my friends, neighbors and family have been there to pick me up. To cheer me on and make sure I make it to the end. 15/
Ultimately through all of this, the truth is, we have to do some of it in our own. But that doesn’t mean we have to go it alone. power of having a support network, a neighbor, a friend, and a loved one close by gives you strength and energy. 16/
Not all of us can be so lucky to have such a wide support network. But the truth is, they are out there if you ask for it. Humanity is shining and here’s hoping that we all make it to that finish line on our own two feet.
Just know, we can’t do this alone.
Just know, we can’t do this alone.
