Back here at the racetrack where it all began for me in 2007 (which feels like way longer ago than it actually is), I realized something I hadn’t thought of before. It feels so good to be part of a team. I have operated for a long time as an individual, launching WinLight Communications out of a blend of passion and necessity. I knew if I wanted to stay out here, I had to figure out a way to do this on my own. It’s quite a ride, let me tell you, and it never slows down. That’s obviously good and bad when you’re flying solo. Momma tired, but momma can eat. Better yet, momma gets to do what she loves.
But it’s real hard being a one-man show, but this weekend (and a few others this year) have been different as I’ve taken on a new/old role of helping out National Dragster and NHRA.com in a freelance capacity, in addition to working with the awesome folks I have been for a few years. Returning to my roots at the very track where I first started with ND (I fricken love you, Bristol!) is really cool. It lends to the “coming home” theme I’ve so often talked about here, but something else cool happened this weekend. I rediscovered the beauty of teamwork. This has been a whopper of a weekend with two races smooshed into one, and there is no way on God’s delightfully green earth that I could have done this on my own. I mean, I could have. But there would have been no sleep and a very cranky lady pounding the keys of this well-worn MacBook Pro.
I shy away from help. I take on more than I can chew (always). I don’t want to inconvenience anyone, I like things done a specific way, and I am committed to doing whatever I take on to the best of my abilities. In a nutshell, I’m slowly killing myself with my work, but isn’t that a delightful way to go?
Maybe not. And that’s why this weekend has been so good for me. I’ve had to lean on others. I’ve had to let loose of the reins. I’m still over here trying to be the best I can possibly be and produce things that matter, but whew boy is it wonderful to have a trusted set of folks that can jump in and work with me towards the same goal. The flow is as rewarding as the product, and I’m just so grateful to be part of it.
It puts a lot into perspective for me. With the right people in the right places, working towards a common goal, you can win big.
Anyway, go win, okay? See you out there.
Categories: Musings, Uncategorized
Kelly Wade 