Life is Your Own Journey and Your Own Race

by Reuben Chow

From time to time, I go for a nice jog in a nearby nature reserve. Sometimes I run alone, sometimes I jog with others.

The route is scenic, the air is cool and fresh, and the overall atmosphere is peaceful and serene. It’s a wonderful journey, and a splendid retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily city life.

Along the way, I meet other runners and hikers, some going in the same direction, others making their way in the opposite one. Some are alone, while some are with friends.

And everyone is moving along at his or her own pace. Some are just jogging at a relaxing pace. Others are pushing themselves pretty hard, heart pumping, feet pounding on the ground and breathing heavily. Yet others are simply happy to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery and crisp forest air.

Some are there to do the 11km route. Some just wish to cover 2 or 3km. Most are there to complete distances somewhere in between those figures. Others just play by ear.

And, as I jog, I overtake some other joggers and hikers, while I get overtaken by some runners. Paths also cross with people going in the opposite direction. Both ways, the overtaking and crossing of paths do not bother me, and neither do they bother the other nature visitors.

No one is really concerned about who is going faster than whom. Nor is anyone comparing distances covered. There is no talk and no thoughts on who is fitter, who is quicker, and who is covering more.

We are, simply put, there to walk our own paths, to run our own races, as well as to embark on and enjoy our own journeys.

Isn’t that what life is about, too? Aren’t we here to run our own races, walk our own paths and embark on our own journeys? Does it matter who is earning more money, has a more beautiful body, owns the bigger house, is climbing faster in his or her career, and so on? Isn’t your own happiness, contentment, peace and fulfillment the most important of all?

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