#323: Mind the Tailwind - Revisited

NEW lead-in from Lauren Culbertson: 

It was fitting to reread Brinton’s blog post the day after the New York City Marathon. Not just because of his story about running - but also when he poses "Who are the people in your life that have provided you with a tailwind? “, I just thought of how it takes a village to run a marathon. It’s individual people physically crossing a finish line, but there are so many invisible forces that have propelled them to that point. It’s an image that brings me to tears every November. Beautifully said, Brinton! 

- Lauren 

Mind the Tailwind

There’s a mesa behind our house where I go to run, think, recharge and listen. Recently, I looked down at my watch to find my pace a full minute faster than usual. “Wow, I’m getting so much faster and I don’t even feel like I’m trying that hard!” I thought. I ran with that feeling for about a half mile, then I noticed. Tall grass on either side of me sat doubled over by the force of the wind: my tailwind. I scolded myself for not paying attention to the surroundings and felt inwardly embarrassed by how obtuse I'd been while reveling in my own accomplishment.

I took a moment to enjoy the tailwind. How fast it made me feel. It’s effect on the overall landscape. Then I wondered, “How often have I never noticed the tailwind? I know that I complain about headwinds, but in how many situations have I taken 120% of the credit in the midst of a strong tailwind? ” Many, I’d wager. “And who are those consistent or pivotal tailwind providers in my life?” My wife, kids, extended family, college buddies, co-workers, a few professors — faces passed through my mind. A feeling of gratitude welled up.

Who are the people in your life that have provided you with a tailwind? How could you communicate your gratitude to just 3 of them today?