Have you ever just wanted to ‘throw in the towel’? (Maybe
the kitchen towel, because the dishes somehow magically multiply overnight and
you never seem to catch up. Or the bath towels, because the laundry piles up
and who is around to smell check them anyway!) Actually, I’m talking
figuratively about the mental fatigue that is sure to show up when you least
expect it and the feeling that it’s time to call the fight.
The phrase, throwing in the towel, originates from the
boxing world. When a fighter had taken too much of a beating and was unable to
go on, his coach threw a towel into the ring to mark the end of the fight. The
boxer had no more strength or resilience to keep going. We often feel like that
fighter from time to time in our lives; that the world and circumstances have
beat us down to a point where we just do not think we can muster the energy to
keep going. We have moments where we sit alone with our thoughts and consider
the concept of ‘throwing in the towel’. Maybe it is a goal you have been working
on, the pursuit of a passion, or a relationship issue. It could be controlling
your finances, emotions or even career. My Hopefuls, before you take that
thought any further, let’s look at three very important reasons to hold onto
that towel just a little while longer.
#1. Your Peace/Satisfaction – While it may sound like a good
idea in the moment, it will not make you feel better to quit. Motivations can
run low, but deep down we all desire to do our best and we love the feeling of
accomplishment when a task is completed. Do not give in to the temptation to
just let this ‘one thing’ go. If you need a break for a fresh perspective; take
it! If you need some help to get over a hurdle; ask for it. There is no shame
in reaching out for help. Find the resources you need, but believe in your
journey. Understand that reaching a goal brings a sense of joy and satisfaction
with yourself that few other things can. Never let fear overtake your desire to
succeed and keep moving forward. Your peace of mind at the end of the day for
the work, effort and dedication you have put in, is priceless.
#2. Your World – There are people in your world that need and
depend on you. I am sure, like me, you juggle many roles and wear a variety of
hats. The demands can oftentimes seem daunting, but your life has a purpose and
meaning. That purpose can sometimes look up at you from a place of need, or
across to you from a place of companionship. There will always be those ahead
of you, beside you, and some coming up behind you. They all need you to stay in
the game and do your very best. In fact, we all need each other. I know there
are days that a phone call or a text comes at just the right time to keep me on
track and uplifted. Never underestimate your impact in the world. You will say
or do something at just the right time to encourage and inspire. You will be
the bright spot in someone’s day.
#3. Yourself! – If I could cue up the theme from Rocky, this
portion would have a greater impact. Here is a paraphrase from a scene in the
movie: “The world isn’t all sunshine and
rainbows. The world will beat you to your knees and try to keep you there if
you let it. Nobody hits as hard as life, but it’s not about how hard you hit.
It is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s how
winning is done.” I would like to inspire the inner Rocky in all of you to
never give up. When you get knocked down, stand back up. Even when bruised and
bloody by life’s battles, look your challenges square in the eye and never
surrender. I understand the emotional and even physical toll this pep talk
requires. I am not oblivious or insensitive to your pain. But I know you can do
this. I BELIEVE IN YOU! You, in turn, must believe in yourself.
Now, before I end this post, I would be remiss if I did not address
the flip side to this lesson. Because it is fair, and even right, to mention
that sometimes it is ok to
quit. Not every endeavor, situation or relationship we attempt or find
ourselves in, is worthwhile or healthy. There is no dishonor in deciding something
is bad for us and choosing to walk away. The key is understanding how in tune
we are to our inner soul so we can distinguish between unhealthy
behaviors/people and just mental exhaustion. Once you recognize and acknowledge
that something or someone is damaging, you need to take the appropriate action.
Release negativity from your life; regardless of the source.
As we approach the busy holiday season, I know many of you
will be stretched to the limit. Demands, deadlines, decisions; all will pile
up. You may find yourself wringing that towel in your hands. You may even be
very tempted as you lean, tired and worn, upon life’s boxing ropes, to toss
that towel into the ring. Don’t do it. Take a deep breath, say a little (or
big) prayer, stand back up and get back into the fight. You are so close to
victory. I just know it.
Hope With Abandon
Hope Out
Yes it is very seductive to sometimes want to Throw in the Towel! Maybe just put it down for a while can work too.
ReplyDeleteHi Haralee! I agree. Sometimes it is ok to take a break from the madness. :)
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