A Slower Pace Worth Racing Towards

In the dim light of dawn, where the world seemed suspended between the dreams of night and the clarity of day, there existed a place that seemed untouched by the rush of time. It was here, within the embrace of an old barn that stood as a testament to years gone by, that our story unfolds—a narrative tethered to the essence of connection, reflection, and the pursuit of something deeply meaningful. This was a story that whispered of **A Slower Pace Worth Racing Towards**.

Amidst the gentle rustling of straw and the soft, rhythmic breathing of horses, there was one creature, a magnificent stallion, whose presence seemed to command the air itself. He was a horse unlike any other, not because of his speed or strength, but because of the wisdom that seemed to gleam from his deep, dark eyes. It was often said,

A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch up and outpace.
— Ovid (43 BC - 18 AD)

Yet, this stallion, named Ovid in honor of the ancient poet who once spoke of the nature of competition, seemed indifferent to the races that captivated the hearts of others. His pace was measured, deliberate, as if each step was a choice to savor the moment rather than hasten it away.

In the shadow of the barn, a figure approached Ovid, a young woman whose life had been a testament to the hustle that defined the world beyond their quiet haven. She had known success, yet the taste of it was as fleeting as the wind. In the presence of Ovid, she found herself questioning the very essence of her pursuits. It was here, in the connection shared in a gentle touch, a look, that she began to see—

Yet from those flames No light, but rather darkness visible.
— John Milton (1608-1674)

The ambitions that once drove her, the relentless pursuit of more, had illuminated nothing but a path shrouded in shadows. The clarity she sought could not be found in the brightness of acclaim but in the subtle glow of moments that most would overlook.

In the silent understanding that passed between human and horse, there was a recognition of a truth that many spend lifetimes seeking but never find. The world outside urged a race against time, a competition that promised fulfillment at the cost of the journey itself. It was a notion that she had never dared to challenge until now, for fear of what it might reveal about the life she had led. Yet, in the quiet of the morning, with the wisdom of Ovid's gaze upon her, she realized—

Optimism is cowardice.
— Oswald Spengler (1880-1936)

It was not a pessimistic view but a profound understanding that true courage lay in confronting the illusions of certainty, in embracing the vulnerability of not knowing what lay beyond the next turn. Optimism, devoid of the depth of reality, was but a shield against the complexities of life, a cowardice that deterred the soul from seeking the richness of genuine experience.

The woman, standing before Ovid, felt a shift within her. The barn, the horse, the breaking dawn became symbols of a lesson learned, of a path newly found—a slower pace, not in retreat from the world, but as a means to truly engage with it. In this space between night and day, in the company of a horse who knew no race but his own, she found a purpose worth racing towards, one that promised not the accolades of victory, but the profound satisfaction of a life fully lived.

The planksip Writers' Cooperative is proud to sponsor an exciting article rewriting competition where you can win part of over $750,000 in available prize money.

Figures of Speech Collection Personified

Our editorial instructions for your contest submission are simple: incorporate the quotes and imagery from the above article into your submission.
What emerges is entirely up to you!

Winners receive $500 per winning entry multiplied by the article's featured quotes. Our largest prize is $8,000 for rewriting the following article;

At planksip, we believe in changing the way people engage—at least, that's the Idea (ἰδέα). By becoming a member of our thought-provoking community, you'll have the chance to win incredible prizes and access our extensive network of media outlets, which will amplify your voice as a thought leader. Your membership truly matters!

A Slower Pace Worth Racing Towards