Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place – that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realize the great life. – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
This morning, I went for my first run in about a year. It wasn’t a great run, but it was a good one. Winter might be finally releasing its grip on Ohio (maybe). The sun was shining, people were walking their dogs, and there were a couple races going on as well. I was able to run my goal for today, a mere 2 miles. However, I often say, as many do, “But, I’m not a runner.” In any case, even at 2 miles for an less-than-frequent runner, I had a few moments when I needed to slow down. Living downtown, there are many signs, one that seems to be pretty much everywhere is this one:
You see, I hate running. But, I need to do it. I want to do it. I want to like it.
After my first mile, I wanted to stop. When I looked up to stop, there was this sign: NO STOPPING ANY TIME. Gee, thanks. I guess I couldn’t stop there.
Later, on several occasions, I wanted to stop. But there it was…every…single…time: NO STOPPING ANY TIME. “Ok, fine. I’ll maybe slow down a bit and get going faster again in a few steps, but no stopping. I’m not allowed.”
In a way, do we not need this sign everywhere else in our lives, too?
A warrior spirit is one that pushes through, despite exhaustion, to battle and win. In our physical lives, we have to stay diligent and maintain good health. So, what about working out? Eating healthily? Sleeping right? NO STOPPING ANY TIME.
When it comes to praying, meditation, reflection, or any other spiritual practices we have, when do we discontinue them? NO STOPPING ANY TIME.
How about in our relationships? When do we stop trying to love and help? When do we give up on our loved ones? When do we walk away from our true friends? NO STOPPING ANY TIME.
In our careers and work, do we ever truly retire? We need to continue learning, working hard and working smart, building our knowledge and our capabilities. If you have your own business, when do you stop hustling? NO STOPPING ANY TIME.
When you practice your art, whether it’s a creative art, music, yoga, martial arts, writing, or anything else – when do you stop practicing or honing your skills and then say to yourself, “I’m good, I can stop”? NO STOPPING ANY TIME.
Life is short. Careers are short. Physical health isn’t forever.
Now, this kind of “No Stopping” is not about going full force every step of the way or burning yourself out in any endeavor. Instead, it’s about Staying in Motion.
There will be times to change our pace, to slow down or to speed up. There will be moments that we will want to give up something we need, want, or desire. Depending on what that is and how important it is, stay in motion.
Being in between degrees is not about attainment, but the journey itself and it’s on that road, that there really is NO STOPPING ANY TIME.
In Between Degrees 