Reflection

Gaze into a clear pool of water or a perfectly smooth pane of glass what do you see--a reflecting image, of course...a "copy" or dopple-ganger, if you will. Though a specific and direct representation of its origin, the reflection is only an image without substance, form, or function other than representing its originating source.  Its purpose is to exemplify and represent...

Now over a month into the new year, spending time "reflecting" on my life's image from the past year is akin to a silver smith examining their product through a refiner's fire--I've discovered these self-reflections are more revealing than I assumed or intended; I've learned the training efforts in which I've previously engaged do not correlate to the level of work required to achieve desired objectives; I've perceived my tolerance for adjusting the bar of quality occurs with less resistance than in the past (insert frowning emojie here); I've recognized the things which drive me are not always the things which give me cause to sing...

"So, what do you plan to do?", 

may ask...

Simple...just as the silver smith continues kindling fire assaying ore beads until they see their own reflection in the precious metal, so must I continue to refine and be reminded of three core tenants of life: never sacrifice what you want most for what you want in the moment, to train like you work, and to do the work--true as an athlete, even moreso in life...

(Please excuse me--the road is calling... :-) )