hitting reality.

_{<between time and space by rose on the grey>}

The blur of everything passing in fast forward has suddenly cut to an agonisingly slow motion - the moment your heart pounds, your breath shakes as you formulate your next strategy, circling the opponent.

The ball is in motion.

Any split second now, you will be required to face up and deliver the best you have - the sweat, the training, hours of practice drilled and honed into your bones.

The future hangs on your present performance.

If you were lacking in diligence while you practised, it will show in the depth of music produced. If you neglected to give your body breaks, it will show as you haul yourself through the marathon.

Not everything is a sprint; not everything can be done with short bursts of high energy.

And this is a time like this. 

Are you awake still?
Do you know why you must win?
Do you understand the importance of your discipline?
Are you convinced of the rewards of success? 

Now is never a time to give up, even if you have lost before.

The fight at hand is in the present - not the past - and you have the power to change it. 

Carpe Diem.