Nil Desperandum

Did some reading Wednesday night and I saw this phrase in two totally unrelated articles and one blog post.

Fate? Encouragement? Inspiration? Call it what you will.
Nil Desperandum – Never Despair
It’s pretty simple. Never give up. Don’t despair. This came from the pen of a man who lived over 2000 years ago in an age where social class meant everything. And he had none. 
Early this coming Saturday I am running in my first 5k POHSE. . . post open heart surgery era. Yes, for those who don’t know, I had open heart surgery March 11, 2004. The problem was discovered and rectified in less than 72 hours. There was no time for despair. No time to quit. We had just had our second child and were only married 7 1/2 years at that point.
As I approach the finish line Saturday, this thought will be in my head. That and “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe! My legs are killing me!”
This could be the change I’ve been seeking for years. I hope it is.
Nil Desperandum
PS. This is a little off topic from my regular postings about customer service. If your business is suffering in these lean economic times, don’t give up. Don’t despair. Nil desperandum.
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7 Responses to Nil Desperandum

  1. Donna Flanagin says:

    David, I for one did not know this about you. Wow, good luck to you on your first 5K. I hope you find the change you have been seeking.

  2. jeff noel says:

    OPen Heart surgery. Wow.
    What a miracle that you'll be running.
    Have fun, stay healthy.

  3. David Balentine says:

    Donna and Jeff,

    It was a great day. I was not able to run the entire distance. But I did cross the finish line running . . . sprinting, as a matter of fact.

    And it was fun. My running partner, Jim, is a great motivator. He's lost over 130 lbs. with diet and exercise. I don't have that much to lose. But if he can do it, so can I.

  4. jeff noel says:

    David, this is a great moment in your life. I hope it is a seed of greatness for you.

    Please tell Jim I'm humbled by his resolve to lose 130 pounds.

  5. David Balentine says:

    I just saw the results of the race. For those who were timed I finished 242nd out of 252 runners. Runners 243-252 were female. Whew!!

  6. Craig says:

    David,
    Just catching this!
    Wow! I congratulated you on Jeff's blog. But I'll do it again here! Congratulations!
    Open heart surgery? Holy Monkey!
    Dude…you're a beast!

  7. David Balentine says:

    Craig,

    Thanks! I don't think I've ever been labeled a beast!

    Really just a lamb trying to follow the shepherd.

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