Sometimes we think that no one is watching, that our actions go unnoticed and that there is no ripple effect.
I learnt first hand on the weekend at the Melbourne Marathon Festival that you can be “unknowingly inspiring” and that your legacy may be nothing like you think.
I ran the 10km race on Sunday. It was my day to shine – running a personal best by over 2 minutes. The hard work and consistency over the past few months had paid off.
I crossed the finish line – overjoyed.
BUT IT WAS WHAT HAPPENED NEXT THAT CHANGED IT ALL
Standing there with my friend, ready for a photo, a man came up to me. Here is how the conversation went. (he is the one in the white shirt a few people back in the photo)
It took all of two minutes.
Man: ” Hi, you don’t know me”.
me: “no I don’t”
Man: “well I wanted to thank you for helping me run a personal best”
me: ” Oh wow that is fantastic – what do you mean”
Man “I tagged you as my pacer and you set the perfect pace for me. I beat my personal best by a minute and 38 seconds”
Me “that is fantastic. I HAD NO IDEA and I am so glad you told me. That has made my day. Thank you so much for telling me”
Man ” Thank you. It’s made my day. I didn’t think I could do it”
Me ” it’s made my day too. I really appreciate you telling me and so pleased I was able to help”
Man “thanks and goodbye”
Me “goodbye and thanks again”
I was on a bigger cloud nine than before.
You see, you NEVER know when your simple actions might inspire someone, maybe change their course, their outlook, their purpose, SIMPLY because you did something that was right for you.
I was lucky – he told me.
I wonder how many people out there are inspired by YOUR actions yet you never know.
Your legacy may not be what you think
