Adversity has the same effect on a man that severe training has on the pugilist: it reduces him to his fighting weight. (Josh Billings, 1818 – 1885)
Some days when you are planning for the future, the past comes and slaps you in the face. Often what you think you got over, to get to where you are now, just got piled up in front of you… but, much bigger, much steeper, full of barbs and traps.
Maybe though, the barbs are just regret and the traps are ones you set for yourself a long time again.
But, no matter what, adversity grinds you down. It’s just a matter of how you look at it when you get to the last of your strength. Has it reduced you to your real fighting weight or are you going to chuck in the towel.
…… and I think it comes down to one thing: character.
I put a new quote on my quotes page today:
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” (Edmund Burke).
My adversity today, the past that came back to smash me, came from me doing the right thing. Being a better man is about living those values that make you a man:
“Being courageous; even when everyone is against you and the odds are overwhelming”
When this happens, you probably have to say you are getting close to your fighting weight! Sometimes though, the gloves are just getting heavier and heavier, each time you lift them to defend yourself.