One Moment in Time
As I view my life the hours, days, weeks, months, and years flow so quickly I sometimes wonder what I’m consciously doing to create unique and precious memories. The majority of my time is in routine mode. Plans are set. Schedules are filled. Responsibilities are met. As I move from one day to the next, I go from task to task. The majority of my time I’m on “auto-pilot”.
Although I had heard the song, “One Moment in Time” on numerous occasions, it wasn’t until recently that those words had a significant impact on me. When I made the decision to support 3 breast cancer survivors by participating in the Avon 3Day 60 mile walk, my laser focus was on adequate training and fund raising. I worked consistently in both areas. There were days I walked for 6 hours or more. During the summer months I’d be out as early as 6 a.m to cover the miles I needed to before the day became too hot. At the beginning of each week
I’d anxiously wait for the email posting of the pledge update to be certain I was on target to raise the required money to participate.
I followed this routine for 7 months. Day after day I’d think about the women for whom I was walking, the cause I was supporting, and the positive impact the money raised would have in providing education and medical care to women in need. What I didn’t realize throughout the training was the impact the effort would have on me. It wasn’t until I was actually participating in the 3 Day that the value of all the work, the time, and the effort became clear. I had made an enormous commitment to 3 incredible women, to all of my supporters, and to myself to complete what I had set out to do. Although I went into the endeavor believing I could live up to the task, I had no idea how the actual experience would feel. The walk was overwhelming on all levels. I completed 60 miles feeling strong and healthy, without any blisters and with little fatigue. This accomplishment was a huge boost to my confidence.
Crossing the finish line to the roaring cheer of thousands of well wishers who had assembled to welcome us all home, I felt an emotion like no other. I felt so happy and proud. My “One Moment in Time” was more real than I ever thought possible. To this day I can still hear the clapping, singing, and shouting of the thousands of supporters. I can feel my heart accelerating. I have relived the emotion of that moment many, many times.
I don’t know if you’ve ever experienced your moment in time. If you have, you can relate to my feelings. If your time is still uncertain, create a challenge bigger than you ever thought possible and go for it with unstoppable determination. Believe me, every minute of your time and effort will be worth the struggle. When it becomes tough to continue toward your goal, (and it will) stop and think of those who will be cheering for you at your finish line because they love you and wanted to be with you to celebrate your success.
