NEVER STOP FIGHTING

Infamous poet and playwright, E.E Cummings once said:

“TO BE NOBODY BUT YOURSELF IN A WORLD THAT’S DOING IT’S BEST TO MAKE YOU SOMEBODY ELSE IS TO FIGHT THE HARDEST BATTLE THAT YOU’RE EVER GOING TO FIGHT. NEVER STOP FIGHTING.”

I first came across this quote only a few days ago in the hope of finding a foundation to base this blog upon. Admittedly, it provided much more than a catalyst that fuelled my writing, and instead has been a recurring motto that has been etched in my mind since I read it initially. The words “NEVER STOP FIGHTING” as cliché as they are, have been ringing inside my head.

What I took from these words is that resilience, by nature, is earned and fortified daily. It can be fine-tuned and improved, however, its mastery is close to impossible. What is interesting about resilience though, is that it somewhat follows the ‘use it or lose it’ ideology. If we do not consciously seek to exercise our ability to persevere through adverse circumstances, then our ability to conquer those circumstances again will be diminished. Thus, this illustrates the inextricable connection between resilience, and consistency in our decision-making. What is important to emphasise though, is that the development of resilience is not subject to the frequency of triumphs. It does not care how many times we win or lose within our lives. What it feeds on instead, is the idea that we continue to ‘show up’ time and time again despite all odds. By continuously selecting choices that align with our authentic selves and not folding to external pressures, we progressively sharpen our swords to make these choices again and again.

“WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT RESILIENCE THOUGH, IS THAT IT SOMEWHAT FOLLOWS THE ‘USE IT OR LOSE IT’ IDEOLOGY.”

Such choices may manifest in the simplest of ideals. It could be: saying “no” to someone that we care about, implementing barriers to allow more space for self-reflection, standing up for yourself when you cut in front of in a line, or implementing a change in your daily routine. External pressures that threaten to pull us away from our genuine selves are omnipresent and can often be enticing to indulge due to their relative ease. The challenge I have for myself and whoever is reading is to continually practice your resolve and continue to show up in the face of adversity.

NEVER STOP FIGHTING

WRITTEN BY MYLES CHERRY

Director / Registered Psychologist at The Gray Area