It’s not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life–it is how you handle what happens to you. ~Zig Ziglar
This quote summarizes the horrific tragedy in Boston on Monday, April 15, 2013. It has been over 330 years since a battle has been held in Boston. We won that war and we will win this one, too.
I know this because of what I saw on television immediately after the explosions. People converged on the site all willing to help without regard for their personal safety. Images of responders covered with the blood of victims stand as a testament to the quick response. Not all were medically trained professionals. Most were friends and relatives of runners hoping for a glimpse of their person crossing the finish line.
The Boston Marathon has been a Boston tradition for 117 years. And it will continue next year and for many years ahead. You can’t break this institution so easily. For over 30 years, Team Hoyt has been not only running the Boston Marathon, but marathons and Iron Man Triathlons all over the country and the world. Born with Cerebral Palsy, 51 year old Rick Hoyt is pushed in a specially designed wheel chair by his 73 year old father. Heat, cold, rain, blisters, and concern for his son doesn’t stop Dick Hoyt from finishing the race where he raises money for the Hoyt Foundation. The Hoyt Foundation is run 100% by volunteers to provide funds charities helping others in need. Nothing has stopped Team Hoyt from running. The Hoyts know about hardship, Rick and Dick live it every day. But they are interested in helping other.
Marathon runners don’t give up easily. They train hard. Their minds are strong. You need more than a healthy, well trained body to run 26.2 miles. Marathon runners are in it for the long haul.
Whether you are unemployed, underemployed or looking for a new job, you will succeed if you don’t look at your challenges. Rather look at your opportunities and use them for your advantage. Work hard, stay strong and you will succeed. This situation is only temporary, you will succeed. I believe in you. And I believe in Boston.
