When I was a runner, I trained hard. Everything I ate, drank, or did, had one and only one purpose. My goal was to finish the race before me and win. I never focused on how far I had to go; I focused only on how far I had already come. When others said I couldn’t do it, I didn’t let their negativity phase me one bit. When my body wanted to give up and when it told me to stop, I pushed past the pain and told it to keep going. When I crossed the finish line, I celebrated my victory over defeat. I was so thankful that I had trained hard. Our lives are often like a race. If we don’t train ourselves to win, we’re open to defeat. Focus on how far you’ve come, not on how far you have to go. Don’t listen to naysayers who discourage you. Instead, surround yourself with those who believe in you. When you’re tempted to be afraid or give up, dig your heels in deep and push through the pain. You will cross the finish line; you will celebrate victory. He who empowers you will strengthen you. Never give up.