Perseverence

If you’re still breathing at the end of 2018 then I’d like to say, congratulations.

Your survival confirms you must have managed to stay afloat for another year.  Maybe you’ve had more in common with Sisyphus lately – pushing that huge stone uphill, only to have it roll down again before he gets it to the top.  I’ve definitely had days like that.  But it all comes down to the struggle, and not giving-up, however hard it all seems.

What have you been wrestling with recently?  Dwindling finances, relationship dramas, niggling health issues?  Or perhaps it’s the echo of a bereavement?  It’s often something that resurfaces with boomerang inevitability.  The sort of thing that is never fully resolved but which can be tolerated when you have a moment of clarity, or a small breakthrough, or receive the random kindness of a stranger.

‘I’m still standing,’ might be something you’ve muttered under your breath lately; but you should really be shouting it from the rooftops.  You’re alive.  Be proud of the strength of your resolve and your sheer bloody mindedness, of having given the finger to the world, and of digging in your hooves like any stubborn mule would do.  Stand your ground.  Put your hands on your hips and blow a big raspberry at the universe.  There.  Feel better?

You might have already done some spring cleaning, to throw out a few thoughts and behaviours that are no longer useful to you.  Perhaps you’ve finally been able to wrestle those pesky inner demons into an arm lock, and seen them for what they are – the saboteurs of your hopes and ambitions.  Or perhaps you’ve reached the top of that long flight of steps with your lungs burning, and raised your arms in a valient Rocky salute.  Victory feels sweet, especially when your opponent has been yourself.

Whatever you’re trying to achieve, if you’re quitting an addiction, or trying to finish that project you’ve had in a box in the shed for too long,  I wish you all the best.  So dig deep and motor off in the direction of your dreams.  You are the one that has the most influence on the outcome.  Surround yourself with people who will applaud your efforts and champion your cause.  They’ll be the ones who will also be celebrating with you, when you have those small moments of victory along the way.

It sounds trite to say, never give up.  Another platitude.  But honestly, it’s that simple.

To continue steadfastly with something that is difficult, while risking failure or opposition, is surely high up on the scale of character building moments.  That’s perseverance for you.

You can’t always win, or even get close to the finishing line every time, but you can keep trying.  That’s what counts.  So embrace the difficulty, and keep your goal in mind.

All the best for 2019.