The dictionary defines perseverance as “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.”

Thomas Edison persevered through thousands of failures before inventing the light bulb. Nelson Mandela persevered for 27 years in prison and became the first black president of South Africa.

Perseverance is hard. Continuing when it seems like everything is against you can feel impossible. It is possible. It starts with one step forward. It is remembering that it is not a sprint, and you can, and should, pace yourself. It is being patient, with yourself, and the situation. The important part is that you keep moving, even if you only move in your head.

Remember that failure isn’t the end, it is the beginning of the next step. Take that risk. Surround yourself with a strong support system. Set achievable goals, breaking them up into smaller, clear benchmarks.

A friend suggested perseverance as a topic for a post. I’m trying to figure out what he wanted me to talk about.

I will not share his story, as it isn’t my place, but I feel he was talking about his journey. How he has persevered through many tough times to live his best life. He has faced challenges beyond what most ever have to, but he kept putting one foot in front of the other, only to face more challenges. He never gave up. He is now living and still facing the occasional challenges, a life that makes him happy in a place that makes the smile he wears reach to his eyes.

I am so proud of him for fighting through the darkness and finding his light. He is one of the kindest souls I have ever known. He deserves to live happily!

What have you done to persevere recently? What was today’s baby step? It is ok if it is getting out of bed, some days that is all we can do.

Do you have a routine that helps you keep going when all you want to do is stop?

Perseverance is not merely a word; it’s a call to action, a beacon in our darkest hours.

Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a triumph. Life’s challenges may test us, but they do not define us. Embrace the journey, cherish the lessons, and celebrate the victories, big and small. In the symphony of your life, let perseverance be the melody that propels you forward.