Stephan Singing for a Friend

Endurance

Endurance These are the dreary, sunless, grey days that I dislike so much. There is not enough fog to create that hidden feeling where you can imagine yourself the only one in the world, nor is there an inkling of sun to warm and brighten the day. My phone says to stay indoors because of the soaring pollution levels, and it is certainly more comfortable in bed on this lazy Saturday afternoon, but my running goals, stubbornness, and boredom convince me to go for my long run....

Endurance Endurance These are the dreary, sunless, grey days that I dislike so much. There is not enough fog to create that hidden feeling where you can imagine yourself the only one in the world, nor is the…

When the Race Ends Too Early

Today our new cat found a way to escape the house, and we do not know if she will find her way back. I am reeling with regret and guilt, as it was I who left the door open. But I remembered something important, as I always do. During a visit to a counsellor 30 years ago, he taught me a truth that has served me well over the years....

When the Race Ends Too Early Today our new cat found a way to escape the house, and we do not know if she will find her way back. I am reeling with regret and guilt, as it was I who left the door open. But I remembered somethi…

The Word That Rubs Me Wrong

"Come on, go ahead, you deserve this!" With this sentence, advertisements try to persuade us to buy that new phone, take that expensive holiday, or indulge in something we may not otherwise have done. Our friends and family do the same: "Wow, you deserve a rest!" or "You deserve to be happy." But that word “deserve” often rubs me the wrong way....

The Word That Rubs Me Wrong “Come on, go ahead, you deserve this!” With this sentence, advertisements try to persuade us to buy that new phone, take that expensive holiday, or indulge in something we may not other…

No Shortcuts, No Compromises

There is a moment in every race where I have to decide if I am going to put it all out there on the road or just cruise and take it easy. It usually becomes a debate where I argue the case that no-one is going to care, that it is not that important, that doing my best is not strictly required in this case....

No Shortcuts, No Compromises There is a moment in every race where I have to decide if I am going to put it all out there on the road or just cruise and take it easy. It usually becomes a debate where I argue the case that no-…

The Flimsy Foundation of “I Am a Runner”

Eight years ago I wrote a post about identity and as I considered writing something along similar lines again, I re-read it and was reminded of the single most important thing I am: a child of God. We should make a distinction between what we do and who we are. When someone asks the question or when we think about ourselves we often define ourselves in terms of our job or our hobbies....

The Flimsy Foundation of “I Am a Runner” Eight years ago I wrote a post about identity and as I considered writing something along similar lines again, I re-read it and was reminded of the single most important thing I am: a child of God.…

Thank you for my anchors

I am so thankful for those things that have been stable in my life. Change is good, but if everything changes, how hard would it be to stay grounded, to stay oriented, and to know who you are? As you go through this blog post, you can reflect on those things that remain stable in your life. Here are some of those things for me....

Thank you for my anchors I am so thankful for those things that have been stable in my life. Change is good, but if everything changes, how hard would it be to stay grounded, to stay oriented, and to know who you are? As y…

The author reflects on their journey back to poetry, revealing personal themes of faith, hope, and connection in their new collection, How Far....

My First Poetry Book The author reflects on their journey back to poetry, revealing personal themes of faith, hope, and connection in their new collection, How Far.