On Purpose, For Purpose
- Duncan
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Deliberate, definite, focussed. Except I'm not. For years I've tried to work out how to be more consistent, more on the level, less fluctuating in my efforts. It's still not something I've worked out, not for the lack of trying.
Happy times, when I felt like I was part of something special, static moments of grateful existence, family holidays, special places of work (when everyone is with you), special efforts and rewards and, the Brathay 10in10. Looking back, each of those periods of ten days in May have held treasured memories, feeling part of something, doing something for others, but also for yourself, working out during those 262 miles who you might be as a person.
Service before self, something maybe as I age becomes a little more important? Handing a value over to someone else, demonstrating that perseverance is a personal quality worth having, understanding that results don't happen immediately, even in this world of instant response and gratification.
Each and every year since 2021, I've had FOMO. Walking the dog near home, seeing bluebells in spring, and thinking of Aly, Dr Katie, friends and previous acquaintances and each May a bubbling of inadequacy resurfaces, a swirling of regret, that I could be doing more. Back in December, I made the decision to contact Scott and offered to throw my hat in the ring once more. This year I attempt to complete 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days again. More importantly, I aim to raise at least £3000 for Brathay to help inspire young people to thrive in a changing world.
Another charity, you might say? Brathay is different, it challenges young people to make choices to help themselves, to help them realise they don't have to be products of their environments, they can be all they want to be. If you've never visited Brathay near Ambleside, I'd urge you to. There is something magical about the place, something that fills you with hope, a daring, yet also a peace. Perhaps the lay lines of hope intersect, understanding that change - even when the world seems like it's tough, unforgiving and uncaring - can and, does indeed happen. Maybe not in a massive way but (for me) one tiny action, one step, one mile at a time.
Since committing to Brathay again, my home is tidier, cleaner, my business accounts up to date, the pull towards the mobile device in my hand less, the desire to run or just any sort of exercise more prominent, the time with my children more pronounced. Thanks to the machinations of the universe, may be my purpose (even though I've still no idea why I can't do more) is clearer in an indirect way. After all, who knows what the rest of my life has in store?
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