A few years back I participated in my first ever marathon.

There are many reasons why anyone would participate in a marathon, it could be to raise money, others just the love of running, or could be the coming together of people. Either way, there I was early in the morning getting my number pinned on my shirt. Everyone gets close to the start line and they kick off the run. Everyone starts running forward like a stampede.

There is excitement in the first mile, things begin to quiet down by the 5th mile. Some people drop off, others keep running strong and steady. The people running the race get really scarce around the 10th mile. Legs begin to feel like noodles and the stitch in the side of the belly is unforgettable. Come the 20th mile I remember wondering if I was the only one still running.

Despite the agony and a quiet desire to just stop… I kept running. To my amazement as I approached the finish line, there were people cheering me on. There cheers gave me renewed strength, I crossed the finish line and thought to myself, “Wow, I did it!”

I was not the last person in that race and the experience will forever stay with me as an incredible mark of will-power and persistence.

It seems that the world admires and rewards those who finish first, it even encourages it. We see this in great athletes, through their hard work and determination we enjoy their success. It takes tremendous courage to be a champion.

It takes a whole different kind of courage to run in a race when you know you won’t be first, as a matter of fact you know the odds are stacked against you and you might finish last. It takes a whole different kind of courage to finish last.

The race that I speak of is not necessarily a marathon, but more so the race of life.

This courage is exactly what life seems to require of us: the courage to run, the courage to keep running, and the courage to finish no matter where you “place.”

It takes courage to accept challenges in life, especially when they involve doing things we know we’re not good at or things that we are new at. It takes courage keep things together when finances are tight. It takes courage to be a single parent. It takes courage to keep going in spite of our health and handicaps. It takes courage to keep going when there is friction in relationships.

So, where do we get the courage to keep running? Perhaps from seeing others do things. How about from our own experience. We even find the courage to keep moving from the kind words and gestures of others.

Most of all courage comes from Faith. We can have and find faith in a lot of things; in people and things.
Faith allows us to have the courage to keep running no matter the race we run nor the place we finish.

Daisy Says: To finish last is to completely live.

DEDICATED TO MY ONLINE FRIENDS. October 19, 2005 was my first blog experience ever and with approximately 4 years (now over 5 years and over 800 posts!) of blogging I can tell you one can meet many amazing, loving, fun and caring people:
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Daisy Says: Where ever the wind blows, set your sail and live with PASSION!!

Daisy Says: Let’s go to a beautiful place… the magic of memories!

I had to run to our office to meet with one of our counselors who needed to review some information before meeting with some clients. It was like, the consultation before the consultation kind of thing.

There was a lot of business talk and seriousness but soon after all the talking was done… then the ‘real’ talking started. This pretty lady that I was talking to had just done a procedure to correct her eyes; me knowing this – I made an extra effort to let her know that I wanted to have a close look at her. After a few minutes of inspecting her face I commented that I didn’t know that beautiful could be made more beautiful… and more beautiful indeed she was.

It was so sweet to see her rejoice at being the topic of conversation and she eagerly pointed out that she also had a procedure done to remove some spots on her face. I stopped and gave her my serious “Shirley Temple” look and said: You know I had never noticed those spots because every time that I speak with you I just look at your soul. You are beautiful from the inside out!

She stopped to contemplate what I had just said and leaned over to give me the most endearing hug.

Through out our day we may find ourselves involved in a lot of ‘talk’, yet the most important talk is the one that involves you in truly showing you care and that others really matter.

Daisy Says: Love with your soul and everything else will be meaningless.

Imagine a life with no challenge nor obstacles. Pretty boring, you might agree.

I remember the first day I learned to ride a bicycle. It was a beautiful afternoon, summer was almost over. The leaves on the trees were beginning to welcome Autumn.

My dad ushered me onto the bike. Gently he encouraged me to keep my eyes ahead to the horizon and let my feet do the pedaling. It is amazing that years later his wisdom of riding a bike still sticks with me: keep my eyes ahead to the horizon and let my feet do the walking.

He held the seat of the bike and stayed by my side… the handle bars wobbled as I tried to keep straight, attempting to maintain coordination my feet peddled away. All the while my dads soothing voice of encouragement was by my side: “you’re doing great!”

I was so focused in the moment, enjoying the thrill of the experience, the wind gingerly blowing by…the sound of leaves cheering me on that I totally forgot that my father was by my side. For a moment I forgot that I ‘didn’t’ know what I was doing and wanted to tell my dad that I was ‘doing it’: “Papi, I’m doing it!” I shouted with glee.

I quickly glanced over my shoulder thinking I would find my dad there and the astonishment that I had been peddling all by myself startled me so that I lost control and ‘bam!’ I hit the pavement! Ah the memories!

My dad smiling sheepishly started running towards me all the while saying, “Get back up, you can do it!”. Yes, he was right… and I did!

Life is like riding a bike, if you don’t peddle you’ll miss the adventure.

Yes, some days it will be hot and the sun can be unbearable, you may get caught in the middle of a rain shower – but what the heck! That’s what towels are made for… to dry up! You may fall, but that’s okay get yourself back up. Sometimes you may have to stop to adjust the chain, perhaps add some oil to keep the parts running smooth, maybe take a break to look around. But most important, ride your bike. Keep riding.

The promises of the horizon are so beautiful and the journey well worth it, remember… there will be wonderful adventures along the way. My dad always said: “Once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget”.

Daisy Says: Keep your eyes ahead of the horizon and let your feet take you there.