toughness

Today’s Poem: On Quitting by Edgar Albert Guest

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On Quitting

Edgar Albert Guest

How much grit do you think you’ve got?
Can you quit a thing that you like a lot?
You may talk of pluck; it’s an easy word,
And where’er you go it is often heard;
But can you tell to a jot or guess
Just how much courage you now possess?
You may stand to trouble and keep your grin,
But have you tackled self-discipline?
Have you ever issued commands to you
To quit the things that you like to do,
And then, when tempted and sorely swayed,
Those rigid orders have you obeyed?

Don’t boast of your grit till you’ve tried it out,
Nor prate to men of your courage stout,
For it’s easy enough to retain a grin
In the face of a fight there’s a chance to win,
But the sort of grit that is good to own
Is the stuff you need when you’re all alone.
How much grit do you think you’ve got?
Can you turn from joys that you like a lot?
Have you ever tested yourself to know
How far with yourself your will can go?
If you want to know if you have grit,
Just pick out a joy that you like, and quit.

It’s bully sport and it’s open fight;
It will keep you busy both day and night;
For the toughest kind of a game you’ll find
Is to make your body obey your mind.
And you never will know what is meant by grit
Unless there’s something you’ve tried to quit.

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Today’s Quote: Face the Challenges, Never Quit

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“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” ― Harper Lee

Today’s Poem: How Did You Die?

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How Did You Die?

Edmund Vance Cooke

Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
With a resolute heart and cheerful?
Or hide your face from the light of day
With a craven soul and fearful?
Oh, a trouble’s a ton, or a trouble’s an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it,
And it isn’t the fact that you’re hurt that counts,
But only how did you take it?

You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what’s that?
Come up with a smiling face.
It’s nothing against you to fall down flat,
But to lie there — that’s disgrace.
The harder you’re thrown, why the higher you bounce;
Be proud of your blackened eye!
It isn’t the fact that you’re licked that counts,
It’s how did you fight —  and why?

And though you be done to the death, what then?
If you battled the best you could,
If you played your part in the world of men,
Why, the Critic will call it good.
Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce,
And whether he’s slow or spry,
It isn’t the fact that you’re dead that counts,
But only how did you die?

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Coping with Change: Moving On Without Giving Up

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Listen to my Podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing, Episode 128 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 128

In Episode 128 of the Journey from Grief to Healing podcast, we explore the inevitable changes that life brings as we approach the fall equinox. Just as the seasons shift, so do our lives, relationships, and personal journeys. Join us as we discuss the lessons that nature, poetry, and music offer in accepting and adapting to these changes. We reflect on Robert Frost’s poignant poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” and how it echoes the transient nature of all things. We’ll also dive into Adam Hood’s inspiring song, “Bad Days Better,” which reminds us of the power we have to make each day better, despite life’s challenges. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while we can’t control all the changes around us, we can choose how we respond to them, embracing hope and resilience.

Keywords: Life Changes, Fall Equinox, Grief, Healing, Robert Frost, Poetry, Adam Hood, Bad Days Better, Resilience, Acceptance, Personal Growth, Seasonal Changes, Coping Strategies.

Today’s Thought: Is It Time to Take the Leap?

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Plan, plan, and plan. If planning is all we’re doing, we’re not doing much. We’re a lot like a gerbil running as fast as he can on his gerbil wheel. Whatever it is that we want we have to take a leap away from planning. Whatever we choose to do, it’s not going to be perfect, there will be challenges and setbacks. Those are wonderful gifts, they make us stronger, they sharpen our minds, they increase our vision. Is it time to say, “Enough with the planning. It’s time to leap.” Trust yourself. Trust that you are able to adapt to the challenges. Give it your best and place the outcome in God’s hands. You’ll surprise yourself.

Today’s Thought: You Have So Much to Offer!

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When I was in the army bootcamp, the drill sergeant would flick the lights on at 4 a.m. and scream, “Get up, if you’re snoozing, you’re losing.” The exact expression was much more colorful, then he added a few more unforgettable lines. I was motivated. I didn’t want his wrath. The lesson has remained with me, you’re snoozing, you’re losing. We each have so much to offer. Part of our life’s work is to discover what our great gifts are and then put them to use to benefit others. There’s no age requirement. The amazing thing is that as we move through life, we continue to discover new gifts within ourselves. We are a treasure that yields to continuous discovery.

Today’s Thought: Make Failure Your Fuel for Future Successes

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A man is great not because he hasn’t failed; a man is great because failure hasn’t stopped him. ~ Confucius

Failure happens. It’s part of life. When we choose to push on in spite of failure we turn failure into lessons. Failure can be our best teacher if we’re open to learning, changing, and understanding how to make our failure our fuel for future success.

Navigating Grief: How to Keep Going When the Storm Hits

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Listen to my Podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing, Episode 124 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 124

In Episode 124 of the Journey from Grief to Healing podcast, we delve deep into the heart of navigating the darkest moments of grief. In the early stages of loss, the pain can feel overwhelming, like a storm tossing us around in a vast, uncharted sea. In this episode, we explore the power of perseverance, the importance of bailing water to keep our emotional boats afloat, and how choosing life—day after day—can lead to healing.

Inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s timeless poem, “A Psalm of Life,” this episode offers strength, hope, and practical insights on how to keep moving forward, even when the current feels too strong. Learn how embracing the small, healthy choices can eventually calm the storm within and help you find peace again.

Whether you’re in the midst of your grieving journey or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder that you are stronger than you know, and better days are ahead. Choose life, embrace the present, and never give up—good things are coming your way.

Today’s Thought: Good Enough is Never Good Enough

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Herbert Simon, an American economist and cognitive psychologist developed the concept of satisficing strategy. The concept states that people often settle for solutions that are good enough and not the best solution possible. Are you settling for good enough and not really testing to see if you could do better? Good enough is never good enough. Give it your best and you’ll never regret it. You were born to shine. Put in the work and never quit.

Today’s Thought: Making a Decision?

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We all face big decisions. Most will ask others what they think about the choices. We may even do some research. In the end, the decision is ours. We can’t lay off blame on someone else. It is squarely on our shoulder. A mentor gave me three guidelines: 1) Never sell out. 2) Keep your soul intact. 3) Will you want everyone to know what you decided? I’ve tried to follow my mentor’s advice. Sometimes following his advice has caused me problems, but they were the kinds of problems caused by doing the right thing. I can live with myself. And, I think being able to live with yourself is a big deal.

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