Selflessness is its own reward but gifts from the gods always gratefully received.
Everyone loves their mum, and I am no exception as she is wise beyond her years and is still imparting gems of wisdom for which I am always grateful. So a couple of weeks ago I staggered home after a 10 mile run in preparation for The Perkins Great Eastern Run a 13 mile half marathon which I am doing in October for my friend Darren who at 45 has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and to raise money for Cancer Research (UK). I was out on my feet as its the farthest distance I think I have ever run in my life, and I remarked to her, "Not sure if I can do this, what was I thinking when I signed up?". She thought for a minute and replied, "As always son you were thinking not of yourself but of others specifically your friend Darren, when you signed up, and it is your passion in helping others that will carry you over the finish line on the day".
She then quoted me some Sikh scripture which basically said that those that endure pain and suffering to help alleviate the pain and suffering of others will be rewarded greatly in heaven and on earth. I could literally feel my tiredness and pain ebb away as she spoke and as the words sank in. Yes, she was right selflessness is its own reward and my running a half marathon isn't about me and my pain its about those that cannot run it including my friend Darren and their pain which is many hundreds of times worse than anything I will go through.
My mum like most people love to say those words, "I told you so", and last weekend she had the perfect opportunity to do just that when on my birthday of all days there was a knock on the door and this happened. It was quite unexpected and in the words of my dear old mum, "You reap what you sow, and this is a reward for all the charity work you do son".....I just think I got a bit lucky but won't tell her that.
It goes without saying I will continue to do charity challenges and donate out of my own pocket but donations from my friends and colleagues on LinkedIn would be most welcome at my Just Giving page which can be accessed by clicking here.
PS: Thanks mum for the inspiration, wisdom and support.