Per aspera ad astra [Through hardships to the stars]

Only a month after my start of the new job and I received the good news of a pay rise and an upcoming promotion; to reward my hard work, my dedication and enthusiasm, they said. These single traces have always characterized me in all aspects of my life (in rowing, running, studying or working); giving my everything, taking it to the limits of efficiency and quality, improving constantly, competing with my own self even in the absence of external pressure or instruction. 

A rowing coach of mine used to shout at us "Empty the tanks" before the finish line at rowing races; this means give everything you have when you think you have ran out of energy. It used to be my favourite motto and I was thinking it to myself when I was running the last miles of the Paris marathon, too.

Forgive me for saying all these, do not mistake me for a pretentious arrogant person. I am not implying I am perfect, or that it has been easy on me. Being career-oriented and a high-achiever at professional level has been at the expense of other pleasures in life. I have always believed that nothing comes easy, nothing comes for free. It takes a whole lot of sacrifice, persistence and self-motivation to keep going when others have given up, but  this is how you reach to the stars. Another saying goes like "Aim for the sky and you might hit the stars".  I think the stars is where I want to be...!

Ultimately happy and seriously tired...