Out of the gates...

I find it personally entertaining to look back on my actions and motivations sometimes. Typically only the stuff floating on the surface... digging to deep seems like digging for trouble. But I'm staring it something pretty obvious today. Twice recently, I've gotten a temporary, but powerful, boost in personal motivation. What's funny as that neither of these events has (yet) lead to any imediate or foreseeable direct impact.

Fine and dandy, but where do we find the profundity? Nothing came of either event, right?

False.

Black Bear.

(sorry, got side tracked - watch The Office)

But seriously, false. Something very real and nearly tangible has come of it.

To borrow from the recent major sporting event, I was just sort of hanging out in the starting gates. Chillin'. Eatin' a carrot or two now and then. Some oats. Gettin' fat. Not really appreciating the fact that the 'BANG' followed by a blank soaring through the sky could air at any moment.

I should prepare myself. I should be diligent. I should know where the finish line is and, most of all, I should care if I get there... and less importantly that I should get there first.

See, I feel like the combination of these two metaphorical kicks in the butt has actually been the start of a race for me. Furthermore, I find myself off and running. While I'll probably lose this race (though it ain't over yet), there will be others and I do certainly hope I'll be more lucid and prepared... next time the shot is fired.