It's early morning as I write this. It's raining and I'm thinking this would be a great time to finish reading the three novels I started this summer. I was looking out of the window and thinking about my life up to this point. (I was originally going to put this on Facebook but, this thought was a little too long for a Facebook posting.)
In my time here in this life, I have been taken advantage of, been hurt, had my heart broken, and suffered many set backs. But, after each one, I always said... "Okay, that won't happen next time because I'll see it coming and navigate around it." Sometimes, I made the same damn mistake again but, it definitely didn't happen a third time.
I can also say that there were times when I had great triumphs and reached crazy and incredible milestones. After those times I would say... "Wow, this is how you do it! I'm going to remember this... tell my daughter this... tell my grandchildren this." You know... save the good experiences for prosperity, that kind of thing.
The important thing is, you have to live this life. You can't be afraid to try, can't be afraid to make a mistake, and can't be afraid of being hurt, rejected, or looking like a complete idiot. This is life. This is what happens. This is how you learn.
Muhammad Ali said in his autobiography that he learned a very important lesson after he lost his first fight to Joe Frazier and after he dropped another one to Ken Norton. He said that in defeat, he learned how to win! Now, think about that for a minute. If you win all the time and you never have a setback, you start expecting everything to be rosy and when you do lose (and believe me, you will because nobody stays on top forever), you have no idea what has just happened to you.
When life knocks you on your butt, stay down for a minute, think about what just happened, and think about how you'll avoid that punch the next time and stay up. The important thing is, you have to participate, take the bitter with the sweat, rejoice with the ups, and keep your head and your wits about you when it's all falling down. I have been fortunate that I had people to teach me that at a young age and it has stayed with me.
Sorry Facebook, this is one that just had to be for Blogger. Live your life people!
In my time here in this life, I have been taken advantage of, been hurt, had my heart broken, and suffered many set backs. But, after each one, I always said... "Okay, that won't happen next time because I'll see it coming and navigate around it." Sometimes, I made the same damn mistake again but, it definitely didn't happen a third time.
I can also say that there were times when I had great triumphs and reached crazy and incredible milestones. After those times I would say... "Wow, this is how you do it! I'm going to remember this... tell my daughter this... tell my grandchildren this." You know... save the good experiences for prosperity, that kind of thing.
The important thing is, you have to live this life. You can't be afraid to try, can't be afraid to make a mistake, and can't be afraid of being hurt, rejected, or looking like a complete idiot. This is life. This is what happens. This is how you learn.
Muhammad Ali said in his autobiography that he learned a very important lesson after he lost his first fight to Joe Frazier and after he dropped another one to Ken Norton. He said that in defeat, he learned how to win! Now, think about that for a minute. If you win all the time and you never have a setback, you start expecting everything to be rosy and when you do lose (and believe me, you will because nobody stays on top forever), you have no idea what has just happened to you.
When life knocks you on your butt, stay down for a minute, think about what just happened, and think about how you'll avoid that punch the next time and stay up. The important thing is, you have to participate, take the bitter with the sweat, rejoice with the ups, and keep your head and your wits about you when it's all falling down. I have been fortunate that I had people to teach me that at a young age and it has stayed with me.
Sorry Facebook, this is one that just had to be for Blogger. Live your life people!
24 comments:
What lovely inspriation Keith
Just hwat I needed 1st thing on a Monday morning x
I've been hearing this theme over and over lately. Maybe I'll need to remember it sooner than I think.
Keith,
I enjoyed reading this. It reminds me of the scripture from Psalms that says the folks who go out in big ships into deep, challenging waters are the ones who see the power of God. When you endeavor to do God's will the rewards are blessings. Look how you've been blessed!!
I needed this! I just may post this on FB "He said that in defeat, he learned how to win".
I fully understand what you meant in your comments on perspective. This is one of those life lesson posts that needs to be revisited by all once in a while.
Maybe you can post a link for the FB family.
Have a great week.
SLC
Wow, this was so inspiring!
I needed some inspiration today..you gave it to me..Thanks!
Very lovely writing, I thouroughly enjoyed this Keith!
Wow...This was thought provoking.
So True, so very true!
You preachin up n here..as usual-lolol.
Loved the visual and loved the sentiments expressed.
Just what I needed today..Thanks Keith!
Words to live by!
Nice sentiments Keith!
True dat Fam! True dat!
The Playa Philosopher strikes again!lolol
I truly enjoyed reading this Keith,It put me in a good state of mind.
Another gem from the master! -lolol.
This hit home with me in a way you'll never know..Thanks Keith!
Man, you aint never lied here!
This was a really good post Keith and resonates well with where i am at in this life. Thank you for sharing.
Great post, very inspiring.
I love the Ali quote "That in defeat, he learned how to win!"
I know I have taken more than my share of knocks along the way, but now I also reaslize that each and every one of those knocks has made me stronger, and made me the person I am today.
I know many people that have never had to go without, and they don't know what it feels like to be knocked down. And without exception, these folks are the most self absorbed, self serving people I have ever met.
Winners don't only think about themselves. If I've learned anything in this life that is it.
Great post Keith!
Post a Comment