writing prompt - Have you ever written something that made you cry while writing it? What triggered that response?

I completed an Ironman triathlon once. In preparation for the race I decided to write myself a note of motivation. My reasoning was that in the middle of the marathon when I was given an opportunity to change my socks, eat some snacks, etc., I would read this note and it would, hopefully, help push me to keep going. This particular triathlon was long and I would be physically struggling by the mid point of the marathon. I knew I'd be in need of some mental stamina. So, I wrote myself a note.

I cried while I wrote it because I kept thinking of hardships I had endured and how I had struggled to overcome limitations. While writing, I deliberately used provocative language I knew would stir my emotions and I referenced a close friend who I knew would be rooting for me to finish. (Actually, everyone I knew was rooting for me to finish that race. It was kind of an amazing experience.)

When I finished writing the note, I tucked it away and didn't look at it again until that point in the race when I most needed to read it. I figured if I read it too often it wouldn't mean as much and that the sentiment of the message would be lost in the moment. So, I waited ... and it worked.