Race of Life

Race of Life
Feelin': Reflective
Hummin': My Immortal by Evanescence

Have you ever taken a significant break from your busy life and looked around only to find that things have changed?

Admittedly, people are busy with each of our own lives. Some work, others study; to each his own priority. But did you ever think that maybe by focusing ALL your energy on a particular goal, it could end up worse for you? I mean, sure, it would get you closer to your goal, but is losing some things you love along the way worth it?

Some people are very goal-oriented. When they want something, they strive for it. They don't give up until they actually reach the prize. But few of them realize that in the process of pooling all their time and resources for this goal, they take some other "less priorities" forgranted. This is when most of the "less priorities" say that they've been forgotten.

These pitiful competitors tend to have one-track minds. Yes, it is advantageous that once the gun was fired and the race was started as all runners took off, they never lose sight of the goal. They never look back. They never stop. They keep running and running as fast and as hard as they could with each step getting them closer to the prize. Reaching the end of that bend, yes, they win the race!

Yet, at that point when their fingers touch the prize, who's there to celebrate the victory with you when the ones who should've been there are left at the start of the race?

You can always go back to them after you've reached the prize right? Some would say.

Yes, you can probably go back to where you left them, but not all people are patient enough, especially when they feel they've been neglected, to stand there under the scorching sun, beside the race lines waiting for a runner who is not even certain to return. Not everyone is willing to stand like invisible ghosts, wallpapers in the background when you don't even give them a second glance as you run away.

The question would be, WOULD THEY STILL BE THERE?

If yes, then, good for you. Now that you've won, learn to share your victory with these friends who cheered you on. Include them in the celebration of life. Make up for all the times you've taken them forgranted. Learn to treasure them for they are the best kinds of friends you can ever find. Not realizing this fact at this point would probably be the biggest mistake of your life.

But as well all know, some will not be so lucky. Some will win and return to the starting line with trophy in one arm and no one to embrace with the other. Some will be ashamed of themselves, but unwilling to lower their prides and afraid to admit their mistakes, they won't even take the trip back.

On cold, lonely nights that spark off nostalgia, as the rain taps on the windows, they look at their reflections in the shiny gold trophy on the top of their shelves and realize that in this victory, there is indeed a very high price to pay.

...And that in this transaction, there are absolutely NO REFUNDS.