The Fall from Grace (written anonymously)

Some of us begin life’s race with fire in our veins. We’re quick off the blocks—faster, sharper, and more confident than most. That head start fills us with pride. We look down on others, thinking we’re simply built better. What we don’t realize is that we only started on lane six, and the steep curves are still ahead.

While some keep running with steady focus, many of us grow complacent. We believe we can’t be challenged. We slow down, convinced our lead will last forever. But soon, the runners in lane five and lane four pass us. We shrug it off as luck, too stubborn to admit the truth: we were never untouchable—we were only ahead for a while.

We comfort ourselves with excuses. “We could take the lead back anytime we want,” we say. “We’re just tired.” But then lane three passes us, and panic sets in. Outwardly, we pretend to be calm, claiming we’re just rusty. Inwardly, we know the truth: we’re losing ground.

Instead of working harder, we turn on those in lanes two and one. We mock them, taunt them, try to break their spirit. But they’re unfazed—they’ve heard it all before. They don’t waste energy on pride. While we cling to our old trophies, bragging about how great we used to be, they keep moving forward, eyes fixed on what’s ahead.

By the time we finally push ourselves, it’s too late. Our half-hearted sprint can’t match the years of steady effort from those behind us. In the end, they pass us by—not suddenly, but as the natural result of all the time we spent believing we were invincible. Our fall from grace began the moment we chose arrogance over effort.