Conquer Your Beast

Life is a beast.

There is no getting around it. It has to be stared down and faced head on. It has to be tackled, tried and learned. If you avoid it, it will swallow you whole.

One of the unfortunate beliefs in our society is that it can be avoided and it is easiest to do so. Countless teenagers turn into twenty-somethings who turn into thirty-somethings who are lost and directionless. Living at home, working the same job, and using entertainment as a way of escape has become the all-too-common story of most people in my generation.

Because it is easy in the short term. And the alternative is scary.

Taking on a challenging job, striking out on our own, confining ourselves to marriage and family all takes risk. It means the possibility of failure. In fact, it means the probability of failure, at least in one way or another.

We all have to fail sometime and the more we risk, the harder we may fail. We might get over our head, and find that life is much harder than we anticipated.

Because it is. Life is hard. 

But the alternative is even harder.

Either we risk failure and hard work, or we are guaranteed a lackluster life. If we do not take up the heavy burden of responsibility, then we are in our graves long before we take our last breath.

So jump into life.

Via

Don't be afraid to take on new responsibilities. Take the next step even if you do not see what is beyond it. Don't put off life because things are not perfect. Life is never perfect and if you wait, your perfect moment will pass you by.

Sometimes you will fail and sometimes it will be hard. But sometimes it will be the most wonderful thing you can imagine.

So what is your beast? What do you need to tackle down and get done today?

Fortitude

Via

This is what has been inspiring me as of late. Not graceful, materialistic or pretty. The women and moms that came before me did not have time to worry about a perfectly decorated home, losing baby weight or creating fun activities for their little ones. Their whole life was one DIY project. If they couldn't make it, grow it, or fix it, they had to do without.

Looking over tips and tricks lately that Depression-Era women survived off of, it amazes me how little it takes to actually survive. Too often I get sucked into the mindset that I need more to do and be more. I have to have that new gadget, outfit or accessory. It is not a luxury, it's a necessity. It takes the stories of these women's fortitude to remind me that I need to take a step back and find out what is really important. 

Because these moms did not just make sure that their children reached adulthood. They literally raised the greatest generation. 

And they did it all without Baby Einstein, Cheerios, microwaves, or even the simplest toy.

Through example and precept, they taught their children the importance of working hard, making do, and contentment and striving both at once. Most of what children learn is caught, not taught, and no one did it better than these people.

So each day, I have been striving to teach my son by example. Instead of complaining, procrastinating, or dragging my feet, I have been working hard to wake up early each day and do what must be done with joy. I have been taking pride in my work and learning how to make do instead of wanting more. Not that I have been doing it perfectly, or that I don't use electricity or go to the grocery store, but I have been trying to channel their fortitude and strength each day.

Last week I learned how to make my own laundry detergent and dish soap. I started making our bread from scratch again. I was amazed how good it felt to accomplish these things rather than just buy it from the store. 

Because life is not about what you buy and own, but rather character and attitude.