Never, Never, Never Give Up!

That’s easy to say, but so hard to do. It’s actually the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and the thing I struggle with most every day.  It’s easy to give up, but it’s not in my character to do so.

I know I’m a fool when it comes to a lot of things.  I hope when there is no evidence of hope. I love when there is no evidence of love. I believe when I’ve been given nothing to believe in.  So, yes – that is the definition of a fool.  Even my nickname growing up was a synonym for ‘fool’ – a Sap; I’m a stubborn fool.

A very dear woman, one I love even more than my mother, gave me a silver bracelet with the following inscribed words of encouragement: You can do it. Have no fear. Live Life. Love Life, Honestly, Strong, It’s already in you. Love is power. Have Courage. Never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never give up. You can do anything. Believe. Love Yourself. Achieve.  Be Yourself. Be Brave. Leap and the net will appear. Love Life.

I wear this bracelet quite often to remind me to never give up on my dreams.  No matter if anyone else believes in me, I have to believe in myself. A harsh truth when it comes to our dreams is that often no one else truly believes in us, and most often those who are closest to us are our biggest obstacles.  We don’t give up what is important to strangers or people who don’t care about us.  No, we’d fight hard against those enemies.  But, those we love and admire most often are the ones we allow to steal our dreams from us, usually bit piece by bit piece. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t believe these people purposefully become an obstacle for us, or that we consciously allow them to detour us.  But they are the birds that come and eat the seeds we plant before they’re able to take root.

As Journey says, “Don’t stop believing…” Surround yourself with people who believe in you.  Most of all, believe in yourself.  And – never, never, never, never, never, never, never give up!  As Lucy Spraggan says, “I know what you’re scared of. I can feel it too. You’re not scared of climbing mountains. You’re scared you can’t make them move. ”  Jesus says, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”  Believe it, or don’t believe it.  It’s up to you. I choose to believe.  Yes, I’m scared, but I’m a stubborn fool who doesn’t know how to give up.

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray