What a year it has been. I think I can speak for everybody when I say that it will be so darn good to see 2020 in the rearview mirror. Good riddance.
Over the past year we all have struggled, worried, and despaired. But we also have adapted, learned, and pressed on. We are indeed resilient. Perseverance. For those of you who have read all my posts, you know that word pops up quite a bit. It is something I firmly believe in because life is full of hardships and difficult moments. Even before 2020 showed its ugly face.
As the great Vince Lombardi said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” And I will add, when you inevitably get knocked down again, you get back up. Again. And get back to it.
My friends, we have all been knocked down this year. And we have gotten back up. Sometimes to one knee before standing, but eventually we stood again. If there was any doubt in anybody’s mind, 2020 has proven we can do it. Do what? Anything. Perseverance.
In March, we got kicked in the teeth. No other way to say it. Things got dark pretty quick. Lockdowns. Financial crash. No traveling. No school. No sports. No life rhythm. But slowly we learned. We adapted. And life went on, albeit a bit differently. We persevered.
I firmly believe in the power of self, that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. That doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps in the road. In fact, sometimes, it might mean taking a new road altogether. But if you believe in yourself, and never lose faith even when things get dark, you will eventually achieve your goals, whatever they may be. It may take a lot of time, but you just have to keep the faith and keep grinding. It just takes stick-to-it-ness.
When I was around ten, my mom came into my room and without a word taped a three-hole piece of paper on the side of a book hutch by my desk where I would see it every day doing homework. Okay, maybe not every day. 😉 Written on it in blue magic marker was, “I can do anything.” I never took that paper down, and I have carried those four words in my head and spirit throughout my life.
This post is me paying it forward by providing that same piece of notebook paper to all of you. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it, believe in yourself, and remain committed to the goal despite the odds and curveballs thrown at you. Keep getting back up. And persevere.
The odds of getting published are daunting and the journey is full of setbacks and frustration. Yet, I write this post as a published author. My story can be your story. Just stick to it. And keep getting back up.
I want to thank everybody for your support, encouragement, input, and friendship. It has meant the world to me. I am truly blessed to have been on this journey with you and look forward to continuing it for years to come, with more books forthcoming.
Best wishes for a safe and very Happy New Year!
-B.T.
