My sophomore year in high school was not my finest moment. I can’t really explain it. I just wasn’t…with it somehow.
That summer, I decided I was going to do better, be better. I announced that I would join the cross country team that fall. I loved the idea that it was an individual sport, but very much a team event. I wanted to be one of those guys.
I went to the meeting at the end of my sophomore year and pledged to follow the running program that summer. Everything was set for this new chapter in my life.
Except I didn’t do it.
I ran a couple of times, sure, but that’s not exactly following a program, you know?
So, in August, I said to my mom, “Hey, you know my grades weren’t all that great last year. I think I should concentrate on improving them. Cross country will probably get in the way of that, so maybe it’s best if I take a pass on cross country. I mean, I want to be successful in life.”
My mom, being my mom, said, “You know what? It’s totally up to you whether or not you run cross country. Either way is fine with me. Just don’t lie to yourself about it. It has nothing to do with your grades, you know. You and I both know that you didn’t really run all summer. Just own that and then do what you want you think is right.”
Dang it. I thought I was so sophisticated. I thought bringing grades into it made quitting legit. Who knew my mom was paying attention?
She was. As usual. And she was right. Sigh, as usual.
Do what you think is right for your life, but just don’t lie to yourself. Own it.