The Home Stretch

 

Over the weekend, my friends and I went for a hike that stretched us and proved to us that we were unfit to some extent.

It started all easy, with a diva kind of attitude that we were here to show the world we were not the weaker flesh but we would conquer the challenge.

Going down the caldera pushed us out of our comfort zone and ignite our creative minds to see how we would go down without hurting ourselves while still maintaining some level of sanity.

Our guide for the day told us how amazing we were and we needed to push ourselves for the home stretch. 

My troupe and I were excited to hear those words but that is where everything changed.

The final lap seemed like forever. We started complaining of how it was a bad idea to use the route, imagining the flying doctors needed to come to our rescue. Others swore they would never try anything crazy in their lives.

The home stretch felt like torture, punishment and it was getting tougher.

It was now everyone for himself and God for us all. It was either you climb up or climb up.

Some went ahead of others and crossed the finish line first.

Others waited on those that were behind albeit for moral support.

We could hear shouts from those who were up cheering us on to push.

When we felt discouraged, we looked behind to see just how far we had come from. There was no motivation but determination. 

We even had short term goals to move from one shrub to another. We were not eyeing the top but rather the next shrub. This worked magic.

When we finally got to the top at different times I could not help but wonder how our lives are sometimes like the home stretch in our hike.

Where are you now in life? Are you in your final lap before victory?

Could it be that your business, organization, or career is about to get its breakthrough? 

Could it be your long-awaited dream is about to be fulfilled?

Could it be the wayward child you have constantly prayed for to come back home is closer than you think but you are almost giving up?

Could it be that you need to let go of something but fear has gripped your soul and when you are almost leaving, you think otherwise?

Are you in your home stretch?

I picked a few lessons from my hike that I kept reflecting on and could relate to my life.

Sometimes, it is in our home stretch that we are pushed and broken to be refined.

I felt like giving up but I knew it is either I climb to the top or I climb to the top or else I would have died. I learned in life, there are days motivation won't work but determination would.

I looked back from where I came from and I moved some steps ahead. Sometimes, look back from where you have come from and realize just how strong you are and push yourself a few steps in front. 

We got to the finish point at different points and that's how life is. We have different journies and our breakthroughs are not the same but we all pushed to the finish line. 

Those that got ahead cheered those who were behind. Don't be angry when others go ahead of you, it is their voices that will give hope. That, if they made it you could also make it.

I know what it means to struggle in life, give up and lose it. I know how the home stretch feels like a lifetime. I understand how it can get draining and it is easy to give up just when the breakthrough is about to happen. But I also know the joy of finally getting to the finish line. You forget all the pains, frustration and you can only hug your victory.

Hold on, victory, breakthrough, the gain is just around the corner for you to embrace. 

The business growth you wanted, the relationship you deserve, and desire, everything is just at the finish line but trust the process. Enjoy the home stretch. It is just one more mountain but you will get there.