speed

The concept of a marathon versus a sprint is a fascinating one. The saying “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” suggests that success is more about steady, consistent progress rather than quick, immediate results. However, there is a lot skepticism about this notion within me, and I think it is quite valid. In many cases, achieving our goals does indeed feel like a sprint. We often find ourselves pushing hard, exerting every bit of energy and focus to reach a particular milestone in our personal or professional lives. The truth likely lies in a balance between the two: the marathon’s endurance and the sprint’s intensity. Recognizing when to pace ourselves for the long haul and when to give it our all in a short burst is the key to navigating the journey towards our aspirations.

The idea about this actually came after watching the Bon Jovi documentary. Listening to Bon Jovi uncool, and to be honest, I don’t know why. That band has been around for 4 decades and toured the world a couple of times. They worked their butts off. Okay okay, maybe I also feel particularly connected to them because my sister was a big fan when Keep the Faith came out in 1992. And that led to seeing my first concert in 1996 without adult supervision. (My second concert in total, the first was in 1993 or 1994, if I remember correctly, East 17 – yes, I was a huge fan and knew every song by heart without understanding the lyrics). Back to Bon Jovi. I remember that day vividly, we were 3 young girls (me at 13, my sister 16, and her best friend 15). We stood in the third row, the sun was shining on us and we didn’t dare to leave to have a drink or go to the loo. Today, I wonder how we were able to do this. An entire day in the scorching heat – it’s crazy and we were lucky nothing bad happened. But that’s age talking, and probably my mom-genes are rearing their head too. Looking back, it’s amazing how different our perspectives can be as we grow older. The resilience and adventurous spirit of youth, coupled with the exuberance of being at a memorable event, make for a potent combination, for sure.

In the documentary, there were parts of that tour too and it made me wonder: if that experience had been different, would I have become the same avid concert goer I was for a while? Corona put a halt to me going to live gigs. But for this autumn, I’ve already got ticket to see two bands and I am excited for that. Part of this excitement comes from the knowledge that this experience will be shared with former band mates. Am I even allowed to call them that? We are friends or acquaintances a lot longer than we were a band (or I was part of it). There is a bond, a love for music that helps us to stay in each other’s orbit. I like that a lot. And I am very appreciative of the short creative moments we had. They shaped me.

It’s quite intriguing to consider the profound influence of music on our lives, especially during specific periods. The emotive power of music can resonate deeply within us, often without us even realizing it. During times of introspection, the significance of melodies and lyrics can become notably pronounced, offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection.

Music has the remarkable ability to encapsulate the essence of our emotions and experiences, providing a soundtrack to our lives. It can uplift our spirits, evoke nostalgia, or even serve as a channel for catharsis. The resonance of certain songs and melodies can become intertwined with our memories, etching themselves into the fabric of our existence.

Moreover, the ever-evolving landscape of the world around us can influence our perception of music. In times of change or uncertainty, the allure of familiar tunes and the discovery of new musical experiences can offer a semblance of stability and excitement amid the flux.

As we navigate the ebb and flow of life, it’s natural to find ourselves drawn more deeply to the enchanting allure of music. Its capacity to articulate the intricacies of our emotions and captivate our senses is indeed a treasure to be cherished, especially during periods of contemplation and growth.

It comes and goes. It ebbs it flows. It’s a lifelong love, deeper, more resonating than anything or anyone. Love just like music that transcends time and space, resonates deeply within the hearts of us; those who had and have to experience it.

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musing – 775 words – reading time: 4 minutes (see, if you get me started about music, I will ramble on and on and on)