15 dec 2012

although i am diametrically opposed to goals, i set three for this year: read 750 pages of non-fiction, run 1000 miles, swim 10 times.

today i finished the running - my mileage for the year stands at 1000.3 miles. of the three goals, i would have thought i'd finish the running last, if at all. i've been swimming 9 times (6/25, 6/27, 6/28, 7/1, 7/2, 7/7, 8/14, 9/11, 9/18), so there's one more on that list, and i'm working on the final 186 pages of non-fiction. both of these seem within reach in the next 15 days, and i am confident i'll be able to complete all three goals.

in light of the tragedy yesterday (for the sake of posterity, 20 connecticut kindergartners and 6 adults were savagely gunned down by a madman) goals like running, reading, and swimming seem meaningless. it's all wind, all vanity, nothing lasts. it's undeniably true that my reading 750 pages non-fiction isn't going to leave a lasting mark on the world.

however. what i can do is be the best me i can be, and stand in readiness for the opportunity to influence a process, a system, a person... to exert an influence for the good. one thing i do might trigger another thing, and another, and another, and someone down the line might make a real difference to this crazy, mixed-up world. can i be sure that will happen? hell no. but, better to be ready for that sort of opportunity and have it not happen, than not be ready and it does.