At the risk of sounding like endurance sports are all I think about…I am going to use it to illustrate another topic. That of purpose – life’s direction.
Did you know that when someone finally reaches a massive goal in the endurance sports world—like running their first 100-mile race, a goal that can take years to train for—they often feel…depressed afterward?
Not just physically wiped out, but emotionally lost.
After spending so long with something to fight for—to focus on, eat for, rest for, push through pain for… something to wake up for—
when it’s finally accomplished, they are left wondering: Now what?
Without realizing it, their goal had became their identity.
So who are they without it?
After pouring yourself into something for years, reaching it, and standing in the place you once only dreamed of…
What do you do when it’s done?
First, you celebrate. Like that runner, you pause and feel the joy of what you’ve accomplished. You acknowledge the sacrifices, the faith, the hard choices it took. You honor the version of you who dared to begin….
And then you remember the why.
Why you started.
Because of who it would make you.
And now you be that person.
The one who’s seen her weaknesses and learned to love herself anyway. The one who’s found her strengths—and is finally ready to use them. The one who’s grown patient, forgiving, kind.
Authenticity becomes the new goal.
You take all that this journey shaped in you, and you live it. Proudly.
You share your story, your struggles, your growth—not for performance, but connection.
You give more freely—especially in the ways you haven’t been able to while in that goal.
You define your values. You notice your strengths and build on them.
Because now, the goal isn’t another summit.
It’s presence.
It’s connection.
It’s remembering who you did it for—and knowing He’ll make sure your training never ends.
He sees your value. He’ll help you see it too.
Because He’s not found in the next thing.
He’s right beside you.
And that is enough.
RP
