The Reward is the Journey

And the day finally arrived.  We had been to meet them the day before, but there could be no preparation for the feelings that followed.  Anticipation.  Excitement.  Nausea.  Impulse buys are strange things.  They can go one of two ways.  Time will tell.   There was a concentrated atmosphere around the hall.  An unconcealed competition.  A rivalry.  It felt risky.  Edgy.  Unnerving. I could hear the adrenaline building.  Slowly, but surely.  As the lot numbers increased, and we approached.  My luck was in.  I had only a commission bid to contend with.  And then it was over.  I held up my paddle:  479. I won!  I won!  I will take delivery of the piano that is new to me in the new year.   Life is like a piano.   What you get out of it depends on how you play it. Tom Lehrer

This week served as a good reminded as to why I do what I do. I do what I do because I love it:  It really is as simple as that. On speaking to someone (the thought of whose own exercise regimen makes me wince) I was slightly taken aback when he remarked upon my 'commitment' (in a respectful, slightly concerned manner) in response to my cold water swimming disclosure. I don't swim because I have to...  I'm not 'training' for anything per se.  There are no upcoming events.  I'm not seeking to improve my time.  Or my endurance.   I swim because I love it. The only commitment I have made is to myself:  to do something everyday that makes me smile (whilst shivering). Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.   It will not lead you astray.   ~ Rumi