Stand in the Standstorm

It is said, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. I chuckle because no one who is going through a rough patch or who is face down eating dirt ever really thinks this is fully true; in the moment.

Yet, time and time, life has shown it to be true. Sometimes a door slams shut, sometimes many doors are closed, and repeatedly so, it is as if your day will never come and life will be a constant fight for you. And with each closing door, we often spend a fair bit of time trying to get back through it. In spending so much time trying to beat down the door to open up to you again, trying to maneouvre different options to get through that door, sometimes we do miss that new window that has opened, or even that new door. And sometimes, in walking away too soon, and refusing to fight, to beat down that door that has slammed shut, we miss our chance. When to fight and when to give up, is a delicate question that really hangs in the balance.

In the moment of despair, gloom, and tribulation, in the midst of the fight, as you once more eat dirt, you often feel as if all is lost. Sometimes we wonder why we even bother. At times, we try to remember what was the actual goal. What was the purpose that called us? It is easy for it all to get muddled, to lose that sense of purpose, to lose sight of self. Especially in the most trying of situations. The worst situations being when you are being challenged unfairly, perhaps being given the run around so you are always kept one step behind, the goal post keeps getting moved, and impossible scenarios are charted and you are placed in them knowing you will fail. All so, it can once more be proven that you don't have what it takes to make it to the goal.

How do you rise above all that? With each fall, every 'jrap a doti', how can you get up? And not only get up but try again? Even more, how can you keep getting up with a new blow expected and often being delivered each time you rise? No one really has all the answers. The sad truth is that some people will get 'mowed' over unfairly and even when the world sees the unfairness, it will continue, all while others and even the one doing the wrong seemingly mosey on ahead to the next leg of the race, eventually to the goal post, and to the next. Why does this happen? Why does this keep on happening?

It is a battle to stand your ground, to rise challenge after challenge, and to keep at it. Some wear out and eventually stop trying. But remember, as long as the fat lady hasn't sung, your time is still now. No matter how hard life or a particular situation is, no matter how unfairly you are treated time and time again, no matter if you fight for your own but you never get heard and it is never resolved; at least in the way you think it should, one thing is certain, 'your purpose is still present'. Focus on your goal, better yet focus on your purpose. The goal may change, the game may be played unfairly, yet your purpose will remain constant and true. Keep your eyes fixed on your purpose. No matter the odds, let your purpose guide you, and make you rise, even though you have already fallen, and will surely fall again.

I think it is that strength of which they speak. The strength that comes from each adversity, that is what will build you, block by block, as long as you keep getting up. That learning, each time you stand in the sandstorm and come out, time and time again, even if you have sand stuck in your hair and a mouth full of dirt. Each time you rise is a win. It may not seem as if you are winning, yet if you are still standing, despite the odds, yes you are. I think that is what they meant by you becoming stronger.