Perseverance

A few weeks ago, my eldest son Jonny completed the Belfast Marathon after running 26.2 miles around the streets of Belfast.  It was the culmination of many months of training but on the day, he had to persevere to get to the finishing line.  It was definitely a “proud Mummy” moment as I found him exhausted but smiling in Ormeau Park wearing his finisher’s medal.  His hard work had paid off. 

This got me thinking about perseverance and how important a quality it is in many aspects of our lives, not just in running a marathon.  Without perseverance, our achievements are less than they could be as we give up before meeting our goal.

Setting goals

Over the last two years, I have set myself a challenge to walk 200 rambles each year.  I’m doing it this year too and so far, I’ve completed 74 rambles.  At the moment, I’m a little behind target but by pushing myself and persevering towards the goal, I will hopefully make it to “the 200th milestone” by the end of the year.  Without the goal, would I persevere in walking at least four times per week?  I think not.

Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.

Newt Gingrich

Supporters

Sometimes we have to “dig deep” and keep going on a path even though it is difficult.  At present, I take regular medication which has some nasty side effects.  But I have no choice to keep going and to follow the doctors’ orders by continuing to take the tablets.  That’s where my family and friends come to the rescue as they encourage me to persevere and tell me how well I’m doing.  We all need a support network at times and if you don’t have one, think about your friends and family to see who they are.  Your supporters may actually be new and unexpected people.

Blogging

Recently, I met up with Ruth Adams who writes an insightful and uplifting blog called Ruth Writes.  She is the epitome of perseverance in the blogging world as she writes a new blog post every week.  By contrast, I write one every few months!  Upon meeting Ruth, I felt inspired to persevere with my blogging efforts and made a commitment to blog more frequently.  I’m not sure that I could commit to blog every week though but perhaps I could blog every month.

Courage doesn’t always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow”.

Mary Ann Radmacher

Today I’m “trying again” with my blog but what do you need to “try again” with and do?  It doesn’t have to be running the Belfast Marathon next year (it could be!) but whatever it is, set yourself a realistic goal and find some supporters who will help you along the way.

Have a good day

Lynda