Tomorrow I will be 46 years old. Even looking at that in print it makes it hard for me to believe I’ve made it this far. I can honestly say, I’m not as successful as I would like to be, but I’m definitely farther than I was ever given credit, by anyone outside my own family.
When I look back on my life, I think about the times I had teachers and other professionals telling me that “You should just give up. You’re worthless. You might as well just get a job at McDonalds.” They were not the most kind or supportive of individuals. I can count on one hand the number of educators that were worth the title. I can honestly say that I never had a job that required wearing a paper hat. However, I made one for myself to wear while writing this article. In my opinion it’s the best use for the sports page.
I’m not saying my teacher’s opinions were totally unfounded. I was a horrible student. I had, and still have, an innate distrust of authority. Also, and this is very true even today, I believe that respect is earned, and not given. If you don’t earn it, you don’t get it. That doesn’t mean I am, or was, rude. Even so, I refuse to offer any consideration to anyone who thinks that just because they occupy a perceived station in life, that I should bow to kiss their ass. Sorry…it doesn’t work that way.
There’s something to be said for self-reliance, and self-confidence. That is the greatest gift my parents ever gave me. I was born on my father’s birthday. Between the gift he got, and the ones my parents gave me, I’m well ahead of the game. I owe them more than I will ever be able to repay. They taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. When I put their lessons into practice, I have to say that I have been successful every single time.
I’m not saying those lessons have worked in all areas of my life. I’m still single, with no children, and my longest relationship lasted less than a year. I always wanted to be married and have a family, and consider the lack of one to be my only true failure in life. I have always felt I had a lot to offer someone, but in the end, it never worked out. Those closest to me know that, while I exude confidence in the workplace, on the race course, and in all other aspects of my life, I have none when it comes to the opposite sex. It’s not that I think I am ugly. I’m not Cary Grant by any means, but I’m not hideous either. The problem is, and has always been, my total and complete fear of the opposite sex. Women terrify me. Anything that unpredictable should come with a warning sign.
There have obviously been some bumps along the way. Life is never easy. But I have found that no matter how many times you fall down, if you get back up, you never lose. You don’t have to be first, but you do have to finish the race. If you think you always have to be first, to win, then I invite you to watch a marathon. The racer with the most applause isn’t the first one in, it’s the last. It’s their effort that generates the most respect and admiration. Because we all know, that for them, the race was the most difficult. Make no mistake: It’s not the destination that makes us who we are, it’s the journey.
Rex