The Marathoners and the Tree of Life

“Somewhere along humanity’s cultural progression we seem to have confused comfort with contentment, but I now realize that contentment doesn’t come from comfort, contentment comes from living through great discomfort.” This is a quote from ultra marathoner Dean Karnazes. This dude runs 100 mile marathons.”

Contentment is stronger than comfort

Challenges, adversity, dedication, pain and sorrows are part of life. There is no way around it. It’s how you come out the other side that gives meaning and contentment. If you are anti fragile and resilient, you will have contentment knowing even with all of life’s challenges, if met head on you will grow as a human.

Kristen and Jennifer embodied this stoic philosophy preparing for and competing in the Disney Marathon. By choosing to try they have already nailed it. Jen and Kristen had a passion to run in the Disney Marathon and to do it together. It took long, long hours to train. They would be the first to tell you it did not yield any records, but that’s not the point. One is not a failure for finishing with slow times, they nailed it when they chose to try. Booyah! This Dad has goose bumps of inspiration.

Enjoy the process

Goals are important. They are a distant beacon of light on the horizon that we must steer towards. Ultimately it’s not the goal that is most rewarding, it’s the journey along the way that gives you satisfaction and meaning. The pure joy of living in the moment striving, learning, over coming adversity that makes life zesty and worth living.

“I long to accomplish a great noble task, but it’s my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” This Helen Keller’s quote reminds me of the setbacks and doubts my daughters incurred training. If it weren’t for the smaller tasks done nobly, such as putting in the miles, getting sleep, eating properly, getting medical treatment, and rehabbing they would not have been able to compete. So, the next time thoughts try to invade your mind with negativity of not being successful enough, try saying thank you mind and then ask yourself, what things can I do right now that are consistent with my values. BAM - Dude - instant success. You nailed it.

Tree of Life

Why is this part of the story? The Tree of Life in Disney is one of my favorite places. It represents the great circle of life. The tree’s theme depicts animals carved into it. As you get closer you notice running water and plants all interconnected. It reminds us that we as humans, nature, and animals are all connected. The roots and branches stretch outward and upward, symbolizing the cycle of life. The family tree growing and connecting the generations. The tree signifies resilience and growth and how life continually evolves and adapts.

As I sit here, I truly feel successful helping to raise these beautiful, intelligent, hard working humans. I’m very proud that they ran the race together and crossed the finish line holding hands out strectched into the air in triumph. It’s heart warming to see how close they are as sisters and friends. It gives me eternal peace and great joy knowing that after I’m long gone in the human form we will always be interconnected. The circle of life indeed.

Inspired Dad

I’m inspired that Jen and Kristen accomplished what they wanted to do, even though they weren’t completely confident about doing so. The actions of confidence come first, the feelings of confidence come later. These Marathoners over came the fear of self doubt and competed. The very definition of what courage is. This breeds confidence. I love the fact that my daughters are confident women. They took action, this led to confidence. If they only did things when they felt confident, then they would still be waiting to start. Perfection is the curse of action.

Three of my mantras are in play here: POP - progress over perfection. POO - process over outcome. OMMS - obstacles make me stronger. Jennifer and Kristen overcame their discomfort of not feeling confident and in their action of competing have become more confident. Exponentially. Booyah dude. Major goose bumps for this Dad.