Blazing your own path through life

Her nerves were running in overdrive as she stood at the starting line. The thought of competing in front of others caused an ache in the deep confines of her stomach. The ache, ever so present, was overshadowed by Riyann’s desire to win a medal like her sister so often does. With a smile on her face, she prepared for the unknown. On this day, Riyann chose to take part in a short 100-yard sprint rather than the mile or three-mile run her sister competed in. The excitement of the event, a fundraising run memorializing a community boy and his desire to ensure his friends and generations to come had facilities to play ball on, was full of joy and anticipation.

With the sound of the starting horn the crowded field of runners began their short journey towards the finish line and the prize. It was immediately evident that Riy was struggling with the crowded field. As she did her best to avoid running over the younger participants one constant remained, her smile. Finding her groove, she began weaving in and out of competition and found herself nearing the front of the pack. With a normal bunching up of athletes happening, she maintained her course and finished strong but just out of contention for the coveted medal.

With the normal congratulatory words her mother and I voiced our pride in her performance and her willingness to give it her best. As we spoke, Riyann revealed that she did her best, but she didn’t want to trip anyone along the way. The next few words which came out of her mouth truly put the event and life into perspective for me. As we cooled down after the run Riyann shared, “The crowd kind of slowed me down, I should have started on the outside of the group.”

So often in life we become immersed in the crowd and fail to blaze our own path. Before we know it, the crowd becomes the catalyst for how fast we move, how far we travel, and the choices we make. The crowd becomes a sort of safeguard to many, providing a comforting shield against the unknown. Just like little Riyann, our failure to step to the side and blaze our own path can result in somewhat stagnant efforts and outcomes. Results, which although potentially acceptable, fail to meet the expectations we set for ourselves.

Riyann gave it her best shot that day while learning a valuable lesson about life. Sometimes we can choose the shorter route to victory or our goal. There is no disgrace in doing so. The key is understanding that regardless of the desired endgame, the process is important. Choosing if, and when, to become embedded in the crowd and when to blaze our own path is essential to the eventual outcome. Don’t get bogged down by others, my friends, rather, keep your eyes on the prize and do your best to conquer the course on your own terms.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from 9 to 29.