"Keep Going"

OOH, I know all to well about struggle, so much so at times I feel like Ms. Sophia in The Color Purple " Almost sat in that jail and rot, then I looked up and saw you Ms. Celie and I said there is a God, there is A God". Often times we become overwhelmed by life and its'circumstances what we give and what it throws us back. In essence, life is waiting for us to catch on to the ultimate lesson: To Get Change you must Give Change. If we are waiting on some mystical spell to free us from our self inflicted madness, we will be soberly awaiting and arriving at the understanding that complacency gets us no where. Goals yield results. When I reflect on the times in my life that were the most difficult I found that in order for me to gain higher ground, I had to first gain knowledge of self. I had to admit that I wanted change and most importantly needed change. It was not an easy task. There were times I wanted to wallow in self pity, party with misery and all her company and harp on many excuses. Ultimately where did that leave me? I was still UN fulfilled and further away from my dreams than ever. For someone who thought I could handle strong drink (being an adult) I knew I played a great part in pouring my own troubles; the truth had a way of bringing me to my knees. I had to face my insecurities, list of excuses, failures, and my own personal fears. I had to admit, I wanted success but I didn't have a clear map or plan to go after it. This is where I had to take my big girl pill. This medicine was hard to swallow, I didn't have a clue on where to begin so I began with assessment.

I was allowed to see that life and everything and everyone around me was not going to be perfect however because life wasn't perfect it didn't excuse me for checking out of the race. Hell, I wasn't perfect. I didn't do everything right all the time, nor did I consider that my way was not the only way. I had alot of confessing to do. I had to learn that life is our greatest teacher, you live...then you learn. Life is about completion. Life is about beginnings and endings, cycles, seasons and discoveries through trail and error. Although it makes you crazy, skeptical and insecure it also at the same time makes you courageous, strong and resilient. Courageous enough that despite the odds you continue to believe, despite your naysayers you remain diligent and despite how bleak things appear you continue in faith knowing that faith is what keeps you resilient even when you think there's no fight left. Life will make you get up and keep going. Every day won't be sweet nor will every day be bitter but this one thing I do know every day will bring change and hope for a better tomorrow. In all that I've had to experience what I've gained most about hardship is this"the only way to overcome a circumstance is to go through the circumstance". Afterall you are not the one carrying you through, you are the one being carried. Life is very sobering. Once you can see clearly the truth about the matter you'll have the ability to see and light a path for others.

Be Encouraged & Be Well
April Ray