If...

"If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too:

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise..."

"Looking Like the Enemy"

Survival

When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.

Determination

Little did I know that having too little time would eventually become an inspiration for a post, but as I went to bed last night, stressed out and drowning in work, I was struck with that old, familiar struggle between discouragement at the seemingly never-ending workload and my instinctive stubbornness and determination that has always forced me to resist self-pity and despair. After all, those who allow themselves to become defeated are the ones who do not see their goals accomplished or their dreams fulfilled and, while I am not naive enough to believe that hard work can accomplish anything, I do know that without hard work, failure becomes nearly inevitable. Most of the past great entrepreneurs did not become such by sitting on their hands, worrying and complaining about how difficult progress is in life. Rather, they developed an idea, ignored the nagging fear of failure, created a medium in which to use their idea, and worked hard to see it through. Additionally, just as one does not get anywhere by giving up, people will also not achieve their goals by blame-shifting. Perhaps our family, society, or socioeconomic status did make accomplishing our goals more challenging. Perhaps we underwent some kind of struggle or abuse that has made it difficult to rise from the ashes. All or any of these may be true, but blaming one's struggle on them will not do anything but guarantee the failure that these facts tried to ensure. Fighting despite these circumstances and taking responsibility for one's actions is the only way to achieve something.

Vital Questions

Is it over yet? 

Can I open my eyes? 

Is this as hard as it gets? 

Is this what it feels like to really cry? 

- Kelly Clarkson -

Taking Chances

What do you say to taking chances?

What do you say to jumping off the edge?

Never knowing if there's solid ground below,

Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,

What do you say?

- Celine Dion -

Only Life

Tears are forming in your eyes

A storm is warning in the sky

The end of the world it seems

You bend down and you fall on your knees

Well, get back on your feet

Don't look away

Don't run away

Hey baby, it's only life

Don't lose your faith

Don't run away

Hey baby, its only life

It's only life

You were always playing hard

Never could let down your guard

But you can't win

If you never give in

To that voice within

Saying pick up your chin

Baby, let go of it

Take your hesitance

And your self-defense

Leave them behind, it's only life

Don't be so afraid

Of facing everyday

Just take your time, it's only life

I'll be your stepping-stone

No, don't be so alone

Just hold on tight, it's only life

Blinded by Truth

Tell all the truth, but tell it slant.

Success in circuit lies.

Too bright for our infirm delight,

The truth's superb surprise.

As lightning to the children eased

With explanation kind,

The truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind.

- Emily Dickinson -

Wish

"Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky

Are like shooting stars?

I could really use a wish right now,

...wish right now...wish right now."

Best

Perfection. This seems to be the goal of our society and every magazine has a new idea for attaining it physically, emotionally, spiritually, or psychologically. Though I was always raised to understand that we are incapable of achieving perfection through our own merits, I was still influenced by the thoughts that permeated our culture. I set high goals for myself and expect much from myself. Deep down, I never really accept excuses, even ones I claim. I know that I am responsible for my own actions and I expect myself to behave in the best possible manner at all times. No exceptions. While these goals are not in themselves problematic, they become so when they create a feeling of constantly falling short. It is easy to feel hopeless when you are unable to live up to even your own standards. Yet this is not a beneficial way of living and could ultimately cause a sense of complacency as those who try to reach perfection give up on all goals upon coming to the realization that their ultimate goal is impossible. As a result, I frequently have to remind myself that I can only do the best I can in every area of life, and that my best will include mistakes. I will inevitably fail myself and others at times. It is vital, however, that I continue to keep trying to do my best while maintaining this understanding - remaining content without complacency. This idea is far easier to cite and far harder to actually live. On occasion, I find myself genuinely shocked at the reality that I need not be perfect. I need not be discouraged when I am not so. It is a truly liberating feeling when you realize that you do the best you can in each scenario given whatever circumstances surround it and then move on. It is often the moving on part that causes many of the ensuing problems. I find myself reviewing my mistakes and remembering them daily - keeping my failures close enough to keep from achieving success or contentment. Thus, I know that I must learn the art of doing one's best and then moving forward without excessive regret. Aim for excellence, but do not expect perfection. Make goals that will strengthen you, but are also perceivably attainable. Above all, do not become discouraged. Always, always keep moving forward. One small step at a time.

This is life. We do the best we can.

Wandering

Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements

Even if it leads nowhere?

Or would it be a waste even if I knew my place

Should I leave it there?

Should I give up or should I just keep on chasing pavements?

Should I just keep on chasing pavements?

- Adele -