The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.
- Frederick Douglass -
Every now and then I have cause to stand back and take stock, to gain a little distance, and look objectively on myself, my situation or position, thoughts, attitudes and actions; sometimes that's in respect of a particular occurrence or event and just as often it's a simple check-measure of what's up. I did so today, and was content with what I saw.
Have you ever had a pair of boots that just keep on going and going? You know, no matter what you throw at them they just keep operating, functioning and doing exactly what it is they are supposed to do? I've had many like that; they've taken the punishment, the abuse and bad treatment and simply shown up the next time, got on my feet and fucken owned it once again. They're dependable, reliable and simply just won't quit. If you've had a pair of boots like this, you'll know what I mean.
In my observations of myself today I decided that I'm like those sturdy boots.
I've had adversity in life; I believe most could say the same. I've had moments in which I've been pushed over and beat down, moments where despair could easily have set in, in which fear could have caused me to duck for cover, turn-tail and run. Maybe you've had similar? I can recall specific moments in which I felt this going all the way back to when I was a child but...I also remember what I did in those moments and whilst a child those things were deployed differently than now, the basics are the same.
One of my simplest, and yet one of the most difficult, life-rules I have is never quit.
This, never-quit, mindset doesn't mean I don't change directions, pivot to new realities or paradigms and it doesn't mean I never resign from job-positions, leave things or people aside or cease to do something altogether; of course I do those things. What it means, is that when things get tough I don't simply give in. It means I evaluate, assess, adapt, change and overcome...then move forward once more. It takes courage at times, endurance too, but those two things combined equate to, in me at least, the ability to persist, to operate at a high level despite adversity and challenges and to resist the urge to sit back and quit.
I'll be honest and say that it can be an annoying trait...for others. I mean, my never-quit ethos.
Some people just don't get it and prefer the, quit and move on, ethos. There's a time to move on for sure, but when I do it, it's not because or through a capitulation; it's a choice, a pivot, new path, goal or objective. Others, those my courage and endurance-scenario operates against...well, they tend not to appreciate the way I keep getting the fuck up and facing forward or the way I keep standing, no matter how hard they try knock me down, and keep resisting, fighting, or just keep being the me I choose to be. I understand it too; I've operated against those with the never-quit mindset also and those battles were titanic. Alas, for them, I'm still here and they're not so it's clear whose never-quit ethos won out. Yeah, my persistence in the face of adversity can be annoying to others. I like it that way.
Today I nodded to myself in righteous acknowledgement of my mindset and how I use it to my advantage, and to the dismay of others who seek to undermine, devalue, discredit or dissuade me. I almost feel sorry for them to be honest - they just don't comprehend the depth and strength of my never-quit attitude and how inflexible I am when it comes to capitulating, because of it. I almost feel sorry for them. Almost.
I wonder about you folks and your ability to be steadfast and resolute in your values, thoughts, attitudes and actions. Do you stand when it seems easier to fall? Do you, get back up, dust off and take another step forward at those times you've been knocked over? There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to you, just your answer. Feel free to let me know in the comments below if you feel inclined.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Any images in this post are my own
