On recent lunchtime runs I’ve noticed this little tug going about its business on the River Lagan, usually pushing or pulling much larger barges in and out of the harbour. It may be small but it’s certainly a powerful vessel that punches well above its weight on the waves. It was apt, therefore, that it sported a big name to match its big workload – Goliath. I’ve been so impressed that I stopped to take a photo of it today while catching my breath.
Everybody knows the Biblical story of David and Goliath, with much of it focusing on the former. But calling a boat ‘David’ doesn’t quite have the same impact, does it? It’s a story, though, of an underdog triumphing over seemingly impossible odds. Everybody loves an underdog, well I know I do. It goes with the territory when you are a Redskins fan. We are underdogs against everyone we play.
As I huffed and puffed past Goliath I could relate with the underdog story. Seven years ago I stood on the verge of losing it all. My family, my friends, my sanity. But I buckled down and, like little tugboat Goliath, rolled my metaphorical sleeves up. I slowly began to sort out my physical and mental health, prioritised the people who mattered and started to turn things around.
You might feel like giving up today. My advice – don’t. You can recover, you can start again, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work. There will be pushing and pulling, huffing and puffing. But like me, and my nautical friend Goliath, it is possible. Scaling Everest always starts with a first step, then another, and before you know it, you’re standing on the summit planting your victory flag. Start today. Commit. Take the first step.
Black Thoughts 
Chug chug chug. ⛵
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Indeed.
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Thank you for sharing those everyday reminders of where you were and what it takes to stay on the right path. It starts with choosing a path that leads you to your selected destination or at least takes you on a preferred journey. Some of us may not arrive, but we can still enjoy the ride…or run…or tug. Love your ability to show and tell!
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Keep going, Stephen! Inspiring xxx
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Thank you 😊
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Always love this lil piece of my day, when you seem to speak to me directly. 🖤
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Thank you Danielle.
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So encouraging!
The photo is brill. What a great name for a tug. 😁
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Thank you 😊
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What interesting running routes you have. I’m quite jealous. Sounds like your training is going well too. ☺
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I’m getting there, thank you 🏃🏻♂️
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🚣♀️
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You inspire me, Stephen. You are Goliath, I am Popeye😊
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Great piece of writing! Had me the whole time! Keep it up! You are making a difference!
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Thank you very much.
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Great post, I admire you for never giving up!
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Thank you. Don’t you give up either.
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I won’t, thanks for the encouragement Stephen! 😊
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You’re welcome
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So very true! When you are coming home from a long road trip, and you’re almost there, if you take a minute to think about where you were when you started, it seems impossible. Especially if you have covered a lot of states in one day! I feel like my journey is often like that: I’m just traveling, doing my best to keep going, and then one day I look behind me, and realize just how very far I have come.
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So, so encouraging and inspiring! Grateful for your message.
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You’re welcome. Thank you.
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very inspiring, thank you for the reminder
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You’re welcome.
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Hail to the Redskins!
Hail Victory!
Braves on the warpath,
Fight for all DC…
Uh no – no idea what you’re talking about 🤔🙄
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They suck 😝
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