Unrelenting Pressure

 When looking at a successful person, it is easy to assume they were born that way. That they are just different and have something extra you don't have. However, that is not the case. What they do indeed have is momentum. Years and years of habit formation, setting the foundation from which to build the pillars of success. Years of consciously choosing to do the little things right, not cutting corners and putting in the work. They all started out with one little step and continued to build themselves into the people they are today. You can become this way too, you just need to take the first step. From there, choose to keep your momentum. As Confucius said, "A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step." Choose to be great, and choose to get better.

  Keep hold of yourself. Don't let yourself slip into temptation. We must always be in constant motion. Ever present, Ever learning, Ever practicing. For if we stop, weakness and temptation sets in. We must continually flex our muscles as well as our mind to maintain what we already have, and better yet, to grow beyond our current restraints. Don't give yourself a reason to slow down, or an excuse to stop. Put your head down and grind. Remember, never give up and never surrender. Choose to be better!

 One principle to follow strictly in life is to treat everyone you meet with kindness and respect no matter the circumstances. How can anyone be angry at you when you show compassion towards them? If someone says some unkind and hurtful words, how will they feel when expecting rebuttal, you respond politely and respectfully? Sometimes things can happen and things out of your control will transpire unfortunately to your disliking. You don't know the circumstances by which another individual  may be under. So choose to not be rude, but rather understanding, patient, and forgiving. For what if you were in their shoes, how would you want to be treated? The answer to that question is obvious, with dignity and respect. So choose to be better today, both for yourself and the others around you.

 Adversity comes in many different forms, and lurks behind every corner. There's always something pulling you down whether  figuratively,  emotionally, personally, or financially. The world is a ferocious place with a great many evils and dangers. I am writing this from a place of optimism however, that things are never as bad as they seem and that when you hit the bottom the only place to go is up. In honor of my mother who passed away a few years ago from stomach cancer, I would like to share my experience and journey through the emotional rollercoaster that follows the death of a loved one and how I came to persevere and find joy and happiness. I am also using this as a tool to expand my thinking and writing on my quest to try to reach my full potential with everyday as to honor my mother who was an avid reader and learner. I do not claim to be the best or most eloquent writer, but hopefully through this journey we both may be delighted with the improvements made....