A Little Perspective

I went for a walk along the river with my husband was struck how just a few months prior I was not able to walk to the bus stop and back. Yet, here I was walking four miles.

So often we are tempted to get in a bad place and give up: on our health, on a relationship, on life. There is nothing so far beyond our reach that isn't worth one more try. Giving up is always an option, but regret is the most bitter pill to swallow. There were times when I was in pain and did not feel like even getting out of bed to go to therapy. There have been times when hurtful words were said to me that I wanted to never forgive. There have been times when all seemed lost.

Still, here I am fighting for my life and my family. Because giving up is simply not an option. When the race is over, I will know I have given it my all for myself, my family, and others.

I walked a little further into the woods, and pain started to return to my body. I had to take a break and stretch on a nearby bench. This is what I found: a tribute from one lover to another. They undoubtedly walked many miles together in his 88 years of life and obviously never gave up on one another, even after he was gone. As I stood up to walk another mile with my husband at my side, all I could feel was an overwhelming sense of thankfulness and love.

So today, let me encourage you to Never Give Up, not on your health, not on your body, not on a loved one, not on your dreams.

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." Harriet Beecher Stowe