OPINION
Life requires perseverance.
Sometimes, that means being dogged in doing the same thing consistently to move toward a goal.
We see that reflected in our coverage of local athletes who put in the time and effort to train behind the scenes so they can shine publicly.
Sometimes, that means evaluating what you're doing well and what needs improvement.
During an interview I conducted this week, Tioga ISD Superintendent Josh Ballinger said, 'That's just kind of life. If [something isn't] working and you have good intentions trying to move into the future and it didn’t work, then pivot and do something different.'
At the end of the day, perseverance is about working toward something.
It's a step beyond endurance, which is about getting through challenges.
Working through obstacles is a painful prospect, and sometimes that path takes you on unexpected twists and turns that completely change the story you thought your life would tell.
Though it can be hard to believe, opposition doesn't mean you should stop.
Opposition gives you the chance to grow and to learn about yourself.
That's why our muscles get sore when we stretch them in a new (or renewed) way. That is also why sometimes the best way to persist is, strangely enough, to realize something isn't working and you have to make a change. I have had periods in my life where all it felt like I was doing was surviving.
If you're there, please remember you're not alone.
Life is so much sweeter, though, when we can take our stress or even our distress in stride and keep moving forward.
I'm not advocating you just grin and bear whatever happens, but I am encouraging you to find something positive in the midst of the negative to hold onto.
Work to look past the barricade in front of you to the goal you have ahead.
If you need to, set smaller goals that can move you through your frustration and despair.
I truly believe we are not made to be miserable, but sometimes life tries to convince us otherwise.
Find the motivation you need to become who and what you want to be, and surround yourself with the people and tools you need to get there.
You can make it.
Abigail Bardwell is the Editor & Publisher of the Post-Signal. She can be reached at [email protected].
