The "race" of life
It was scorching heat on a Monday morning when my school organized our sports meet. It was my first ever sports meet when I was in kindergarten. I distinctly remember that my parents were also present to cheer for me.
We began with a parade and a few demonstrations of drills. We were really exhausted by then but the excitement had only just picked up as it was time for the running race. I was super energised about my first ever race. I had even imagined myself on the podium after winning the race, wearing the medal and smiling for photographs!
The time for the race had finally come. I occupied my respective lane and stretched myself a bit. I saw the finish line very clearly. I told myself that I wouldn’t stop until I reached the finish line. Suddenly there was a silence in me. I was feeling extremely alert.
The announcer took his position to begin the race. He gave a loud, clear call, Ready….Set….Go!!!!! I heard each call perfectly. My mind was in the present moment completely. I felt super alive at that moment.
I had a great start and gave it my all in the race. I felt my legs flapping like the wings of a bird! I was able to pierce through the air. I felt as If I was as fast as the wind and that I am unstoppable. It was such an unforgettable moment.
I took an amazing lead ahead of the others. But still, I wanted to keep going as fast as I could. Just when I was a few meters away from the finish line, I heard a loud cry, ‘Ammaaaa!!!’ My friend Subbu twisted her ankle and fell down.
We are the choices we make
I turned back to see what the noise was and found her in pain. I turned towards the finish line and noticed how I was just a few meters away from winning the first prize. I turned towards Subbu and found her still crying in pain.
I was able to feel her pain. I felt disturbed and agitated to see her in pain. I thought to myself, I cannot just go on to finish the race. Subbu needs my help! I lifted her up and helped her cross the finish line along with me. But by then, others overtook us.
I came 4th along with Subbu. Subbu was very happy to at least complete the race and thanked me for helping her. Just then the winners of the race were called to the podium. I felt really sad for not being able to win a medal. I was imagining what would have happened if I had just gone on to complete the race.
‘Checking…’said the announcer. Seems like another announcement. He said, ‘We witnessed something really exceptional today! And for that, we call upon SriHari & Subbu to receive special gifts for their act of kindness.
My father told me that day, ‘I am very proud of you! You taught me how Life is not about winning but about helping others.’
The happiness I felt had no bounds. It was nowhere close to the happiness of winning the medal but infinite times more than it! These words of his have remained with me ever since.
Have we ever taken time out every day to do a simple deed for someone? Go ahead! Find someone who needs your help and help them with the ebay of intentions.
I can vouch that it would make you feel like a SuperHero!
