But since those words of wisdom came from my mother in the first place, I thought it only appropriate to post it here – on a blog that honors the woman.
I don’t play the ponies; it’s against my principles. That’s just me.
But this post really isn’t about gambling, or even horses. It’s about the race.
Years ago, I was having a discussion with my Mom about “getting there,” wherever “there” was at that time. I was having a problem staying focused. My Mom (in all her wisdom) said simply, “You have to run like a racehorse.” As usual I had no idea WHAT ON EARTH this woman was talking about (I was only about 13 years old).
She went on to explain that, during the race, the horse has the blinders on both sides of the head.
“Did you ever wonder what they were for?” she asked. I SWORE to her that I hadn’t. (When would I, a girl from the ‘hood, EVER think about a racehorse?)
“They’re there to keep the horses focused; keep them moving straight ahead. They allow nothing to distract the horse.”
And there it was. A simple “run like a racehorse” phrase that, years later, would mean the world to me.
Mom was a very wise woman. She didn’t go into explaining that the horse was also possibly distracted by the crowd, or that other horses might bump into them along the way, or that the horse might simply not have enough stamina to reach the finish line. The point was to RUN LIKE A RACEHORSE – nevermind what MIGHT happen ahead. Just run. Undeterred.
It’s been many, many years since I thought about her words of wisdom, but today I have to admit that I recently allowed something to distract me from my goal, my finish line. But now I’m back on track (no pun intended, but certainly suitable) and I’m once again like the racehorse: vigorously running, staring straight ahead (with blinders on), not distracted, but rather, determined to finish my race.
Indeed, I’m running like the racehorse.
Thanks, Mom.
