Word of the day... PERSIST

...and also endure. When I was taking courses in environmental studies, I read this specific pairing of words in one of my textbooks. I do not remember what else was discussed, but I remember these words having a great impact on my life.

LIfe is hard, trying, challenging, risky, and sometimes all around shitty... but without the trials, the victories would have no power. They would lose all meaning and become merely daily events that we would eventually become bored with... because that is how we work.

Allow me to insert a favorite movie quote here...
"The sweet just isn't as sweet without the bitter" (if you know what this is from, cheers to you)

This accyracy of this statement is not debateable. Debate me if you would like, I am always open to a friendly battle of wits... but I stand firm that these words ring true. Imagine indulging in chocolate cake three times a day for a year, a month, or even a week. The initial love you had for this divine treat, would inevitably fade. It would no longer be a "treat"... it would merely become food you have to eat to survive. Think about vacations. I know I personally suffer from severe post vacation depression. I go back to work in haze... yearning so much to be back on the beach or on the plane, anywhere but there. But then I remember, without work, there would be no vacations!
One month ago, I flew to Californina for the first time to see a dear friend of mine. It is an understatement to say I had an incredible time. I met wonderful people, indulged in a wide variety of fine foods, listened to great music, and throughly embraced the beauty that is the west coast. Before I left for this vacation, I came to the conclusion that this was going to be such an amazing vacation not just because it was California, but because I had truly, TRULY... earned it! I have my first "biggie girl" job and if you know me, you know how stressful this job is. On average, I work 50 hours and do two sleepovers in one week. All the vacations I had taken in the past were great, and sure I worked hard at my multiple part time jobs and going to school... but this was the first time I felt that i genuinely NEEDED and EARNED a vacation. Let me tell you... it was certainly sweet... thanks to the bitter.

Back to the word of the day... PERSIST.
Life is wonderful. People tell me I am too happy, too optimistic, and too nice. I say PSHHH.... At work, the girls ask me "Ms. Ashley... How are you so happy all the time?" They do not understand how someone can be perpetually happy. I make sure to tell them... I face struggles, my life is not perfect, and nothing was handed to me on a silver platter. I work hard and I enjoy a challenge. I wake up grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead of me. When I am met with a challenge... I "persist" to work past it so I can get to the good stuff. If you sit around wading in the mucky waters, you simply won't go anywhere. The secret is being proactive. Set your goals, make your plans, and carry on. Be prepared knowing that it won't always be easy, and you will meet your challenges head on with full force... endure the suffering, appreciate it for what it is, feel the pains... remember them. If you remember what it was like to suffer, you will sincerely appreciate the warm fuzzy feeling of victory.

Winston Churchill said it best...
"If you're going through hell, keep going..."



Godspeed Soldiers