The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner
I’m neither referring to that famous story by Alan Silllitoe nor to the film based on it. I was thinking of the Iron Maiden track from their Somewhere in Time album and the lyrics of that song. But of all the songs why that one, you may ask.
Well, I had been reflecting on my 9-month-old blogging journey and all the trials and tribulations associated with it. Man, I think have become lonelier than before. Even before Wealthy Affiliate happened, all my old friends and those who know me will testify that I’m an extremely private person. The fun side of my personality is revealed to only my closest people. I cannot smile in photographs and, unless they are taken in candid moments, I carry my unsmiling, serious, deadpan expression in all my photos. I really envy those people who can bring up their most cheerful smiles in their portraits or groupies. So, is it any surprise that I hate selfies?
I love blogging and even though this is a recent activity, I think I have taken to it like a duck to water. This is so much fun. I started with a niche site but shifted lanes and picked up the already-crowded Make-Money-Online (MMO) niche. I must admit it was without much thought or planning but happened more like a natural outcome – niche site during my Certification days and the MMO site after I came to the Bootcamp. Crowded it is, competitive it is, but I find MMO niche rewarding. Not in terms of monetary profits it promises but because of the knowledge gained in creating my content and researching for topics. It’s a huge world out there and I’m glad that I got to be a part of it.
To come back to what I had been saying about being lonely and all that, I have realised that I have become almost a recluse now. I’m in a world of my own where I’m breathing, eating, sleeping my niche. Of course, I take breaks in between but those are to re-energise or rejuvenate myself for my blogging journey. Some will say this isn’t healthy and that this almost obsessive behaviour is bad. My wife says I’ll soon have a burnout. Life’s too short to dwell upon those things. I’m enjoying myself. I have a purpose. And I think that’s what really matters. I don’t mind the little bit of loneliness I feel at times.
“You run,
Never stop,
Gotta win, gotta run till you drop,
Keep the pace, Hold the race,
Your mind is getting clearer,
You're over halfway there but the miles
Just never seem to end
As if you're in a dream,
Not getting anywhere. It seems so futile.
Run, on and on, Run, on and on,
The loneliness of the long distance runner…”
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner (Iron Maiden)
Recent Comments
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Very deep Sukumarth and nice analogy, yes it is that isn't it it is just you and your thoughts, which in a way is the way it is most of the time but more so when you have to push yourself onwards and upwards, how you control your thoughts focusing on the end result is how it will end up, good luck and wishing you well
This obsession is turning out to be good for me. I now have a purpose and each day brings with it new challenges and perspectives. And "time" becomes the most important element. It has taught me some good time-management practices.
time?...hmm..I tend to get lost in it all and time just flies and I find going to bed difficult..loll obsessed that is what I am up to at the moment!..
Sukumar...a deep and generous thought.
As you have alluded, You are a private person and while I think that you probably share with loved ones your energy and spirit; your more intimate nature, I think nothing unbalanced in your pursuit of a lonely setting either.
The brain provides all that we are and should be. But as an instrument for our will, it is by choice that we bring out who we are...and there, if we pause to reflect each morning, lies the health of our intention.
In all my friend, as a seasoned long distance runner you will know when it is time to get on, but equally important is to know
why you have chosen at all.
Shine Brilliant, Sukumar, I watch and learn
Respectfully David
Thanks for the kind words, David. I'm enjoying mostly because I'm learning many new things. Before I landed up here in WA, I think I have been living in a parallel universe oblivious to the exciting things happening in the online world. I'm happy that I'm among the bloggers' community. I feel blessed to be here.
Lol Sukumar, not familiar with Iron Maiden’s song, but I remember watching the movie and did enjoy the protagonist’s little rebellion at the end. Hopefully you are not planning to do the same. I do find that when I am in the zone I close off from everyone and everything.
Hahaha...Harvey. I haven't watched the movie but your reply intrigued me and I read its synopsis just now. I don't think I'll be as rebellious as Colin was. But let's see...anything can happen :)
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You hit the nail on the head in trying to compare the attitudinal seriiousness in your personality when pursuing goals to that of long-distance runner
Never knew blogging could actually be addictive. I hope I do not get tired of all this someday.