People talk a lot about fighting back. But, what is the “back” they are talking about? Maybe more importantly, why does one fight back? Before going straight to fighting, it may be best to first look at ourselves and make certain we are not simply mimicking those whom we are claiming to resist. If we are, then our behavior merely spins the wheel that keeps ourselves imprisoned within a vicious cycle where progress is a galaxy or two away.

I recently received some news about something from within that threatens my ability to live. My first instinct was to stand tall, as I am now and will continue to do. My second instinct was to fight back—but then I had to ask myself, if I fight “back,” am I not just giving this thing that led to the bad news a blank check to torment me? Fighting may be acceptable, and in my case, good, but it is a fight through and to, not “back.” As far as I am concerned, I am saddled fine on the horse. The issue is we are in the badlands and turning back is not an option. Fighting only makes sense if we are doing so to make it to the end of each day as a means of earning the opportunity to make it to a new day tomorrow. This, of course, is because a new day implies that things could change. The great irony is that this is life’s modus operandi even without news good or bad. Every day is just a day and guarantees nothing. It is up to us to get up and keep going.

My instincts have been good, but looking at myself has not always been such. I have had the good fortune in recent times to find a new appreciation for life and to see even my biggest failures as critical elements to my evolution and development as a decent and honorable human being. If I did something wrong in the past, after taking responsibility for that wrong, it was crucial that I also respected the action as an important development towards understanding the clear distinction between right and wrong. Recent events have forced me to take this same approach as it relates to my physical health. There is still a lot of room for improvement in my diet and my views on activity, and yet I am eons ahead of where I was just five years ago when keeping my head up—literally—was a challenge (a bad relationship with the bottle can make even the basics difficult).

So what gives? For me, nothing. What I know today does not do a damned thing to change my focus and drive towards what I want out of life. If anything, current circumstances further highlight the importance of remaining committed to victory. Winning is something special. For one to give their best no matter the odds or circumstances is to put oneself in the best position to do good in life and to make the whole thing worthwhile. After all, what other reason would there be to exist?

As I always say, obstacles are to be looked at with eyes wide open and given a fair shake before the sequence begins where one systemically dismantles the obstacle and proceeds ever closer to the light. 😊

Through and to! Fight on, and never back.