6 years, 9 months ago Bobbe White
"When you know your why, you can endure anyhow." John O'Leary
Yesterday was a difficult day, one of many, because that’s life. There was the day we had to take Dad's keys away. Or maybe when we moved Dad into the Veterans Home - without Mom. That one was the mother of all tough days.
After enough of these, we begin to understand. No matter how many tough days we have, their purpose is merely preparation for the next one. It reminds me of track hurdles. I attempted them, but was never adept. Leg #1 cleared the hurdle, but then there's Leg #2. It’s like an educational program: "No Leg Left Behind." But the back leg just won't rise. I still can't and the hurdles are shorter. We have pet gates at home to keep Lily White corralled. If I had a nickel for every time Leg #2 leveled the gate, I'd be retired on a beach in Fiji. The lesson: next time I must lift it higher. It's harder -sometimes a lot - because of whatever "it" is. Yesterday it was a tough conversation with Mom. Who knows what it’ll be tomorrow?
Think of that issue in your world. You’re on a relay. I don’t know if hurdles are a relay event, but for this post, they are. The approaching runner prepares to pass the baton. We must grab it and immediately hurdle. Without tripping. Not this time. Yesterday, I told myself, “Get over it. No moving gates aside, like I can with Lily’s gates. I got over it. It wasn’t easy. Tough’s not easy. There are other ways to help clear the hurdles. It’s whatever works for you. Here’s what I did.
Dress for strength. My earrings were from Poland. Korey gave them to me on that trip. We toured Auschwitz I and II, so we could better understand history and the conditions my father was forced to live as a POW. And because that girl of mine/ours is one strong cookie, conquering hurdle after hurdle. She inspires me. My gold necklace and ring are from Jeff. If he was a boxer, his robe would read, “THE ROCK”. Sometimes I’d like to throw rocks at him, but he just builds me a path with them. My bracelet is from Nick, given to me on his and Jenna’s wedding day. As a four pound preemie, we prayed he’d have strength to survive. Did he ever! Let’s call him, “ROCK II”. My skirt is from Jenna, who exhibited unbelievable strength on the premature death of her dad. She continues to hurdle through a new career like an Olympian. She’s now being strong for Nick, throughout Grandpa’s death. Love that girl, like our own. My hair’s from my mom. Talk about a strength in the face of adversity. Whoa. Now it’s my turn. I hope I got that gene. Finally, last month I attended Austin’s “Let’s Rise!” conference. Jeff found it. He thought I’d find inspiration and rejuvenation. He was correct. But I forgot my shoes, so had to buy some. They’ll always remind me of what I learned at “Rise”: with thought and preparation, we can do much more than we thought. It’s been tough before, it's tough today, it'll get tough again. I need to get it. Get it done. Get it behind me. After yesterday, I’m not jubilant, but relieved, knowing I’m doing the right thing. I know that feeling.
No resting on laurels, Girl. To help me in the next tough opportunity, I went to Hobby Lobby, to buy "Get it, Girl", an 8”x8” light-up (!) home accent in Barbie colors. I called ahead. They held it. At 90%, it probably won’t drop further...better grab it for $2.50.
What’s your “Get it, Girl?” What thing gives you strength? Find it. Own it. Get it.
