Do you know what going the distance truly means? It means, making it through (what ever “through” happens to be) when the adrenaline spike is no longer assisting your stamina. It means, remaining joyful when the dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain have dropped as a result of the biological crisis mode switching to off. It means, not just finishing the race (life), but living in such a way that you know finishing is happening. Which in essence is, the ability to make it through the “normals”.
Was that too abstract a thought for anyone to follow? I apologize if the answer to my question is “yes”. But for me, tonight, I feel the pains of “going the distance.” And tonight, “the pain” happens to be, the practice of flushing out the thoughts of doubt that are trying to creep into my head. That are trying to cause me to give up, that are lying to me by way of manipulative, passive aggressive tactic. The reason I feel pain is that my emergency strength, otherwise known as adrenaline, has called it quits for the day. So I am left to my own “normal” ability to recall lessons learned, and left to my own “normal” desire to remain fixated on past encouragements rooted in truth. I am also having to–key phrase here–put into practice what I know to be true and right…even when I want to walk away and bury my head in the sand. All of which take a level of commitment I’m sometimes unsure I naturally posses. You see, “going the distance” has somewhat of an athletic team-like connotation. I was a dancer, not a sportsman(woman). I understand hard workouts and focused practices, but not distance. Our routines were, at most, 10 minute increments–maybe fifteen. I played singles tennis…never doubles. It was fast paced achievement or hard earned defeat, never distance. Thus I can assure you, I feel pain when pushing forward, pressing on toward the goal, and keeping my eye fixed on the prize.
So tonight, I am going the distance. And where ever you are, and whatever your “through” happens to be, I hope you will, along with my tired self, go the distance too.
…thank you for listening (or reading really).
living in loss and gratitude 
Hola Rivka –
I hope you are better today. I have been traveling and am now getting caught-up on my emails. Just read your last two posts.
You (and family) are ALWAYS in my prayers and thoughts and I consistently ask the Lord to shower you guys with His Mercy.
Your words serve to encourage me as I “go the distance”. My love and empathy, for you, seems to strengthen me when I, too, am exhausted.
We are very blessed to have various SUPPORT TEAMS that seem to come out of the wood-work when needed. These for me are the many WINDS BENEATH MY WINGS.
I have friends and family praying for you too.
When I get my vacation – and you are not on vacation – I hope to come see you – NEXT MONTH hopefully.
Love u –
Teri
I do hope it works out for us to touch base (face to face) in April. Thanks for the prayers, Teresita.
Thank you all for the feedback. I am glad to have you with me on this!
RIVKA, I enjoy everything you wright. As I have told you before, you are giving a gift to those who read your morsels of insight. I think you are a very courageous Woman, that in spite of those little naysayers in our head, that like pop-up from time, to time, you just laugh and send them on their way. A good though always prevails.
Love you all
Jerome
I’m right there with ya. I was a cheerleader so I don’t like or even understand why someone would want to go through the pain of “the distance” either. Prefer those quick bursts of energy and enthusiasm. But here I am, jogging the distance beside you. Hope to have something good at the end I’ll even settle for cookies and a nice cup of coffee maybe?? Oh the little joys of life to be appreciated. 🙂
and on this day, i awaken in the night and i see light
and in this night, i move silent on a wave
and it is right
and everyone i know and everyone i see
is here with me; good company
peace eventually
(i am so wit cha on dis one, sista)