Ride hard, it only lasts 8 seconds

What if a lifetime only lasted 8 seconds?

What if you had to choose, who would you be in the arena?

Let’s break it down.

> Character 1 – Logic (man on the left, black hat & jacket)

Logic is calculated.

He studies every detail, weighing risk vs. reward.

He gets close to FEAR, maybe even touches it—but he never climbs on.

Logic walks toward fear, but never rides.

> Character 2 – Caution (man on the right, black hat & jacket)

Caution is careful, maybe too careful.

He’s the observer, content to watch from the sidelines.

He tells stories of those who ride, but his own boots never touch the stirrup.

Caution avoids fear entirely.

> Character 3 – Safe (man on horseback, white jacket & black hat)

Safe has done well.

He’s on a horse, just not a wild one.

He’s in control, comfortable, prepared.

He’s built his life to minimize fear, never having to face the full chaos of the ride.

Safe respects fear but keeps his distance.

> Character 4 – The Cowboy (center stage)

The cowboy, oh the cowboy.

He rides FEAR.

He grabs hold, knowing full well that he might get bucked off.

He chooses to face it head-on because he refuses to let FEAR dictate his life.

He knows life is short, 8 seconds, maybe more if he’s lucky

So he gives it everything he’s got.

As I go through this 8-second ride called life,

I’ve been all four characters.

I’d love to say I’m always the cowboy… but damn, hitting the dirt hurts sometimes.

But, the rush of a good 8 seconds is magical.

When I come face to face with fear, I settle into the saddle, grab hold of the reins, place my boots in the stirrup and hold on, it is going to be a bumpy ride.

Will you ride today?