Keep Going

Every day that we wake up to a new day is an invitation to keep going. If you are, like me, writing a novel, putting in time at the page—no matter how many or little words you get down—is progress. When you show up at the studio to keep working on that series of paintings, that’s progress. Working on the content for your next course offering, that’s progress too.

Believe

In the chaos rupturing our world, it is easy to not believe—to not have belief in ourselves and, consequently, each other. But if we can cut out the noise, or at least filter much of it out, we can focus on what’s important. And I’ve learned that focusing on what matters most increases my belief in myself. Then the natural consequence of that belief is—no matter how I feel, no matter what the odds—to keep going.

I’ve been somewhat guarded lately about my writing project because I am shifting into a new genre. There are growing pains associated with doing so, and as I learn the writing takes longer. And that requires patience. Because, as I’ve also learned, things always take longer to complete that anticipated. It’s that natural ‘dragging out’ of the writing process that sometimes shakes my belief in my ability to finish. Yet, at the same time, I know I must keep going. Because nothing difficult is ever achieved through ease or comfort.

Keep Going

When the pain exploded in my right foot at the 22 km mark during the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, I instinctively thought about quitting. I tried to continue running, but with half the race still to go, how could I? I was concerned, too, about aggravating the injury further if I continued. But something inside me wouldn’t let me quit. It wasn’t just that I had a friend waiting for me at the finish line. Or that other friends across the country were tracking my progress online. It was something else…

I turned inward to that belief in myself—that I was capable—to keep going. It wasn’t easy. For 20 km, I shifted between running and walking, wincing in pain with almost every step, until I reached the finish line. But that’s what we do in life. When there’s a hill to climb, we take another step. When faced with a setback, we take time to regroup and figure out what to do next. So, wherever you are in life, hang on to hope. And maybe you go slow…but just keep going.

And let me remind you today that you are loved, you are worthy, and you matter. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to be—wholly and unapologetically—who you are.