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Carolyn Smagalski
Persistence
Founder - Editor - Host
Hindu Prince Guatama Siddharta, (563-483 B.C.), the founder of
Buddhism wrote, "Endurance is one of the most difficult
disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final
victory comes."
In the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, it was the man who came
in last who made the headlines - who created a place for
himself in the annals of Olympic history. During the race,
John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania had fallen early on in the
race, severely injuring his knee. The winner of the race
crossed the finish line at 7 p.m., followed closely by the
other entrants.
 An hour later, the shadow of Akwhari emerged out of the black
darkness at the edge of the stadium - a figure hobbling, with
a bandage at the knee - the bandage, soaked with blood. Only
a thousand spectators remained, but the sight brought them to
their feet - cheering, tearful, applauding his courage and
endurance. The press was scrambling to interview this hero
who simply said, "My country did not send me to Mexico City to
start the race; they sent me to finish the race."
"Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty,"
wrote John Ruskin. This quality is, perhaps, the determining
attribute for success in life. It is the one who endures
through the years - 20, 30, 40 years - who becomes the
expert. Everyone begins at the starting line, with no
experience. After all, we were all born as naked babies, with
no knowledge of the world.
Jean Jacques Rousseau, Swiss philosopher, essayist and
educator, wrote, "Endurance and to be able to endure is the
first lesson a child should learn because it's the one they
will most need to know." However, it is never too late to
learn the lesson. If you have endured failures in the past,
whether minor adversities or major challenges, chalk them up
as experiences toward greater goals. Then continue to move
forward, with strength of spirit and the determined decision
to finish.
"Endurance is the crowning quality, and patience all the
passion of great hearts," wrote James Russell Lowell
(1819-1891), American essayist, poet, editor and diplomat.
Keep a constant vision of your own high level of endurance.
The rest of the world needs that which only you can give.
Strengthen your endurance in all things.
Content copyright © 2003-2008 by Carolyn Smagalski. All rights
reserved. This content was written by Carolyn Smagalski.
If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need
written permission.
Contact Carolyn Smagalski
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