It's Sunday, November 3rd and a few days ago, I early voted in the US elections and ever since I've been really trying to ignore all the "Decision 2024" coverage online and elsewhere because I'm feeling really tired, sad, scared, and numb—and have been for quite a long while.

What's going on all over the world has made me want to retreat into my cocoon and not come out again until all the madness passes.

Of course, I can't and won't do that, but the pull is real.

This morning, like almost every other first Sunday in November for the past 19 years, I'm jolted awake by the sounds of clapping in the street below.

Within the hour, people are cheering loudly and, shortly after that, a din arises that does not diminish until about 4:30PM.

It's the 53rd NYC Marathon—the largest in the world—and it feels like the whole world is screaming at the top of their lungs right below my window.

And, did I mention the cowbells?

Yes, there are cowbells—many, many cowbells.

In years past, there were also competing bands and megaphoned cheering squads, so I'm not that mad about just having cowbells this year, to be honest.

As you can imagine, I have a love/hate relationship with the marathon.

There's always something inspiring about other people's athletic accomplishments. You may recall, I couldn't get enough of the Paris Olympics (See No Competition).

But, I'm not sure why I have to sacrifice my Sunday peace to other people's extracurricular pursuits.

That said, this year, my reaction to the marathon is surprising even to me.

I'm not mad at it. I'm actually grateful for it.

Stepping out onto my balcony to watch the crowds and take in the cacophony, I'm humbled by people's capacity to root for complete strangers. To inconvenience themselves to cheer them on with genuine enthusiasm.

The runners keep coming and the crowd is endlessly energetic and appreciative.

It's pretty incredible when you think about it.

Each of the runners has embarked on a personal journey and throughout their 26.2 miles, tons of strangers are boosting them onward to the finish line.

There's screaming, cheering, jumping—I swear, someone has literally been playing a tuba down there for the past 45 minutes.

It's such a great reminder that community is powerful, that our collective voice and actions make a world of difference, and that, for the most part, we're actually pulling for each other.

In the marathon that is entrepreneurship, it's much the same. There's a ton of people, including me, who have your back and are more than happy to help you get across the finish line.

Keep that in mind whenever you're feeling discouraged, disheartened, or in need of a boost (or a cowbell 🤓). We truly are better together!
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Until next time,

PS - If you missed it, last week I wanted to know: If The Future Is Now, are you ready?
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