You might be wondering, what do syndicated TV shows have to do with my personal journey in endurance racing and everyday life? Well, let’s unpack that.
The One Shot at Life
Remember when YOLO (You Only Live Once) took the world by storm? It was splashed across hats and t-shirts, serving as a constant reminder of life's singularity. This concept, albeit trendy, carries profound wisdom. Unlike our beloved rerun-filled TV shows, our existence doesn’t get syndication. Once the “show” of our lives concludes, there are no repeats.
Unfortunately, I grasped this reality too early, having lost both parents at a young age. This early loss instilled in me the imperative to live, teach, race, and parent each day as though it were my last. Life isn’t a spectator sport; it’s meant to be lived actively, with purpose and tenacity.
The Leap of Faith
Endurance racing epitomizes this ethos for me. I recall the summer day I declared to my wife, with every ounce of determination, that I would tackle the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon — a task far beyond my comfort zone at the time. Our conversation was a blend of disbelief and humor:
Wife: "There are big sharks in there."
Me: "Yeah, but only the cuddly ones."
This back-and-forth ended with her acceptance, knowing full well that my resolve was unshakable. Not stopping there, I announced my next endeavor: completing an Ironman race. Despite never having run more than eight miles, I viewed these distance goals as mere logistics.
Embracing the Finite
Over time, three Ironman races later, the message rings even clearer: Our time here is finite. Each day is a gift, an opportunity to push boundaries and reach new pinnacles. If budget constraints weren’t an issue, I’d be eyeing Mount Everest next. But grandeur doesn’t have to come from grandeur feats; it lies in how we choose to embrace our everyday lives.
In the Classroom: A Teacher’s Impact
This perspective on life seeps into my role as an educator. Each school year is a unique, finite period when I get to leave an indelible mark on my students. Think of a classroom full of students wearing white t-shirts, each marked by a single black Sharpie line that never entirely fades. This symbolizes the lasting impact we can have on one another.
Just as there's no syndication for our life, there’s no rerun for my students’ time in my classroom. Each year is a one-shot opportunity for us to achieve greatness together. It’s a driving force behind the passion and dedication I bring to every lesson.
So, remember, life doesn't take attendance. Show up, embrace the finite moments, and live with an intensity that leaves an indelible mark.
Until next time, live life like there’s No Return to Syndication.
Stay strong, Brian (Teach4Endurance LLC.)
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