“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” --Paulo Coelho
I woke up the other day, morning coffee in hand, to start breakfast for the family and watch Morning Joe, just like every other weekday morn. As the bacon fries and biscuits bake, I am accustomed to hearing all of the woes of the world and their accompanying pontifications before 7:00 a.m. But once in a while, Joe will throw in some sports highlights that tickle my ears, being the all-time, knock-down-drag-out sports fanatic that I am.
On that morning, the highlight was nothing short of amazing! I watched the replay in awe as Sonny Leon took the ride of his life, guiding Rich Strike, the long shot thoroughbred, from last place to first, eclipsing 19 other horses, capturing the lead, and winning the Kentucky Derby!
So, what’s so amazing about that? It happens every year, right?
That is correct. BUT… there are a few circumstances in place that helps to separate this race from others. As reported:
He was a longshot. The odds of Rich Strike winning were at 80:1, only the second long shot victory in a century in the history of the Kentucky Derby!
He had never been on the Big Stage. Over his entire career as a jockey, Sonny Leon had no experience racing in the Kentucky Derby. He had NEVER competed in a race of this enormity and prestige!
He was in the right place at the right time. At #21, Sonny Leon and Rich Strike participated in the race ONLY because of a scratch (meaning another horse was pulled from the race for some reason or another.) Imagine, the winner of the race wasn’t even showcased on the Derby fan merchandise!
You add it all up… it equals amazing, at least to me!
But more than that, my heart smiles because it helped to solidify my belief that it’s never too late to enter the race and win.
As a Mid-Century woman, we may feel like we’re showing up “30 years late for the prom” when it comes down to pursuing our intimate dreams.
In a world that rarely celebrates the beauty of experienced maturity, I too found myself saying, “It’s too late for me now,” or “Should I really go after this at this point in my life?”
Unfortunately, I don’t believe I’m alone on this one.
Thank God, my answer was a resounding yes, or else I wouldn’t have gone after my dream of becoming a certified Zumba instructor or even writing this blog!
Like Sonny Leon and Rich Strike, I may be a long shot. I may not have the experience as others. But even now, I am still preparing myself and pursuing all of my dreams. Why? Because you never know when opportunity will present itself for you to be on the Big Stage. And when that happens to me, I’m going to be ready, waiting, and winning.
How about you?
Do you have a dream you want to reintroduce to the world? Have a goal you've always wanted to accomplish but thought it might be too late? Please, leave a comment, and tell us how you're going to go for it! MCW is cheering you on!
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inspiration. There have been so many times when I’ve felt it’s too late!