Winner

I was reminded of something recently and as I am big on it, I thought I would go there again.  Besides this is my last full day as a 67 year old and I am expected to repeat myself really.  For me repetition of such a thing is a good for me.
It was the matter of all lives having purpose and meaning. My mum’s dad passed within six months of retiring, while my dad passed at 97.  The difference to me was a sense of purpose.  Mum’s dad had seemingly lived for work and could not see and had not panned anything beyond work.  Dad on the other hand, although he had been manager of a company, had things he wanted to do.  At 90 odd he was talking of learning the piano and even at 95 or so he delighted in cooking for us (and it was good).
The point for me is it does not matter what stage of life I am at, there is meaning and purpose for me. Sometimes it is like hide and seek, but it is there if I look for it.
I really feel for those ones who have been great athletes and cannot see life beyond their chosen sport.  I thought it was great listening to Alyssa Healy taking about retirement and how much she was looking forward to the future.
I take great solace in the fact that it is not about me being the best there is, but being the best I can be.  I was thinking of a runner.  It is possible they have say five things going for them.  Their build, hometown advantage, coach, when they started, talent.  Another may have a couple of things in their favour like build and coach. And I may just have build going for me.
It is generally unreasonable for me to expect to beat someone with a multitude of things in their favour, but it is perfectly reasonable for me to have an expectation of beating my personal best.
I genuinely think of myself as a winner if I do.  Mostly I make up the numbers but if I strive to be the best I can be.  I may not be on the podium, but I am a winner.