Always a Way

Bethany Hamilton

I read this poem via Dena today, and I find it very fitting of how I feel towards living. I sometimes struggle with this mindset, but at the core of my being, I know it to be true. And it is a good reminder about the burst of life - sometimes we stifle it, with so many things - inane, unimportant things (though I think a tiny dose of those doesn't hurt) - and unhealthy habits and foods. It gets so stifled that we actually believe we can't accomplish what we want! How ludicrous!

A friend on IRC (yeah, there's been a revival amongst my old online friends) said yesterday to someone who was lamenting their terrible situation:

If you want something badly enough, you will make it happen, simple as that.

And it's true. We make things so complicated, and there is always a way. People in dire, horrible circumstances have prevailed if they have really pressed to succeed - why is anyone else any different? You most likely have full use of your brain and your bodily functions and limbs - not everyone does and many of those ignore their hardships and go for their desires anyway. So...you can, as well.



I think it's time to stop feeling sorry for ourselves, and even for others, because in the majority of peoples' lives, they have it pretty good. Most problems are petty, so start feeling grateful for what you do have and push to get the excess you want!

Roll the Dice
by Charles Bukowski


if you’re going to try, go all the
way.
otherwise, don’t even start.

if you’re going to try, go all the
way.
this could mean losing girlfriends,
wives, relatives, jobs and
maybe your mind.

go all the way.
it could mean not eating for 3 or 4 days.
it could mean freezing on a
park bench.
it could mean jail,
it could mean derision,
mockery,
isolation.
isolation is the gift,
all the others are a test of your
endurance, of
how much you really want to
do it.
and you’ll do it
despite rejection and the worst odds
and it will be better than
anything else
you can imagine.

if you’re going to try,
go all the way.
there is no other feeling like
that.
you will be alone with the gods
and the nights will flame with
fire.

do it, do it, do it.
do it.

all the way
all the way.

you will ride life straight to
perfect laughter, its
the only good fight
there is.