The Strength to Be Flawed

‘Nothing to live for?’

This is a false premise.

There is no such thing as ‘nothing to live for;’

There never has been.

There is always something to live for.

The true question is this:

Do you have the guts to go find it?

If your day is empty: fill it.

If you feel alone: make friends.

If you feel incapable: do it.

If you feel stupid: learn it.

If you feel weak: get stronger.

If you feel slow: move faster.

If you feel inadequate: improve yourself.

It’s hard to do

But it’s not impossible.

Because there’s one primary truth you can’t ignore:

Life was already given to you.

Whether you believe in the divine or the temporal

Or even nothing at all:

Life was already given to you.

If you want something more, then go find it.

It might take more courage than you think you’ve got.

It might cause more pain than you think you can handle.

It might push you to places you don’t want to go.

It might even make you hate yourself for your weaknesses.

But here’s the rub:

It’s worth it – if you’ve got the guts.

If you want the life of your dreams, then go get it.

It won’t come to you.

And when you fail –

Because you will fail –

Have the guts to press on.

Your success isn’t guaranteed

But it shouldn’t have to be.

If you think you’ve got ‘nothing to live for’

You’re not looking hard enough.

If you think you’ve got ‘nothing to live for’

You’re not working hard enough.

I am a half-breed, unclaimed by either race.

I was born of a prostitute and her john.

I spent my youth in foster homes and government facilities.

I spent time in jail.

I am not handsome.

I am not tall.

I am not wealthy.

I am not popular.

I served my country with distinction.

I served my country honorably.

I have one eye.

I have only one working hand.

My country said it would take care of me;

My country lied its ass off.

My country believes in things I can’t believe in.

My country believes in things I know to be wrong.

My children think I’m a curmudgeonly old fool.

I’ve grown weak in old age.

I’m often ignored because I am old.

I even ache when I sleep.

None of this matters

Because I have something to live for.

I have something to live for because I found it,

And what I found is mine forever.

It’s mine forever because I had the guts to go look for it.

What I found is mine forever

Because I have the guts to earn it again

Every. Single. Day.

‘Nothing to live for?’

Only if that’s the way you want it.

Live that way if you want to;

I sure as hell won’t.