Introduction
In this captivating episode of UnMasking Humanity: Revealing the Human Spirit , host Joshua T Berglan sits down with Thomas Scaria—a resilience and accountability coach, ultra-marathoner, and soon-to-be-published author of Resilience and Rise: 26.2 Transformative Miles to Unleash Your Marathon of Life Mindset. Thomas’s journey from profound loss to extraordinary physical and personal triumphs embodies the indomitable human spirit. This interview explores how resilience, purpose, and a marathon mindset can empower us to overcome life’s toughest challenges. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for personal growth or strategies to navigate adversity, Thomas’s story offers wisdom and hope.
Gratitude and Purpose
Thomas Scaria begins by sharing his daily gratitude practice, waking up with the thought, "It's great to be alive." He emphasizes a purposeful approach to life, stating:
“Life is for living, not for existing.” – Thomas Scaria
This quote underscores the importance of active engagement with life, a theme that resonates throughout the interview.
Transition to Coaching
Reflecting on his past as a project manager, Thomas highlights his drive to help others, which led him to coaching and writing. He shares a powerful insight on connection:
“We are angels with one wing. When we hold another, that’s when we fly higher.” – Thomas Scaria
This metaphor illustrates the transformative power of supporting others, a core aspect of his work.
Overcoming Loss
After losing his father and job simultaneously, Thomas turned to running as meditation. He found solace in Viktor Frankl's philosophy, noting:
“Between stimulus and response lies our freedom and the power to choose, and that comes to the attitude.” – Thomas Scaria (quoting Viktor Frankl)
This quote highlights the choice in how we respond to adversity, a foundational understanding for navigating dark times.
The Marathon of Life
Thomas compares life to a marathon, emphasizing resilience and focus. His upcoming book, Resilience and Rise , aims to help readers embrace this mindset:
“Life is not a sprint; it’s a long-distance game filled with unpredictable terrains, uphill battles, and moments of sheer triumph.” – Thomas Scaria
This perspective encourages steady progress through life’s challenges.
Building Resilience
Thomas advocates for small, consistent actions, offering practical advice:
“Small consistent everyday discipline will get you to the thousand miles.” – Thomas Scaria
This insight is particularly relevant for readers seeking to build resilience in daily life.
Balancing Rest and Effort
An unexpected detail is Thomas’s discussion on balancing rest and pushing limits, offering practical advice like “Push 10 minutes more if unsure, then rest if it’s right,” adding actionable value for readers.