“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place, and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.”
This quote, from Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky Balboa, holds a special place in my heart. I find it so personally profound that I’ve even had it framed and hung on the wall in my home gym.
Whenever life conspires to knock me off my feet and leave me struggling to get back up, I always find solace in its words.
As difficult as it can sometimes be to do so, I keep getting back up.
I hope you do, too.
For many during the holidays, life can seem uniquely poised to deliver a knockout blow.
This time of year, our emotions can be heightened, making what we’re feeling seem particularly painful. Whether we’ve experienced personal loss, perceived failure, or a series of struggles, the holiday season can magnify those struggles until they seem undefeatable.
In the spirit of the champ’s quote above, I’d like to take a moment to remind you of some crucial factors this holiday season – factors that are undeniable, even when they’re difficult for you to perceive or acknowledge.
If YOU are struggling during the holidays, I’d like you to stop what you’re doing (or feeling) for a few minutes to hear them.
- People in your life care about you – whether you are aware of it or not. Know that you mean much to others, regardless of mistakes you may have made or goals that you haven’t accomplished. You aren’t alone in this, no matter what your ‘this’ may be.
- Even if this was a year marked by loss or the end of something that you had grown accustomed to, you have much ahead of you. The end of something is ALWAYS the beginning of something else.
- Your strengths and accomplishments are MANY. Just because it’s difficult for you to see them doesn’t mean they don’t exist (If we could see ourselves the way others do, we would know this beyond the shadow of a doubt). You got where you are because of your fortitude and tenacity, and they’ll keep carrying you forward. Lean into them.
- Feelings aren’t facts and individual moments DO NOT define you. No matter how down you may feel because something happened (or didn’t), you will ultimately be positively redefined because of it. Mourn when you need to, be angry if it’s necessary – but know that the strength on the other side of struggle is mighty, and it will turbo charge your capabilities.
- Don’t give up – not now, not ever. There’s too much good ahead that you can’t see right now. Something is coming that you can’t envision yet, and it will lead you to a better path. When you look back, you’ll realize that “insurmountable difficulties” guided you to a course you would have missed otherwise. Just because it’s dark doesn’t mean there isn’t light ahead. You can navigate the darkness because you’ve done so before, and you can do it again now.
When we’re struggling, it can seem like an incredibly solitary journey. Withdrawing when we’re in pain is reflexive and it can become habitual – and, during this time of year, our pain can become acute. It can seem like we’re alone, that no one cares and that it can’t possibly get better.
Maybe someone you love is not here at the holidays for the first time.
Maybe a relationship that you always took for granted has ended.
Maybe an unexpected life change has left you feeling directionless.
Regardless of why you may be struggling during this holiday season, know that you are defined by what comes next. Your resilience is fierce, even when it seems to have abandoned you.
Remember, no matter how challenging it may be to get back up, each time you do, you’ll emerge stronger.
“. . . it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.”
Refuse to let it.
Get up, no matter how difficult it may be.
Dare to see in yourself what we all see so clearly:
That you are worth it, that you are loved and that greatness lies ahead.
That’s how winning is done.
About Kris Inman:
Kris Inman is the Director of Program Development for The Healthy Dispatcher. A 30-year veteran of 9-1-1, Kris retired in July 2023 as Director of Springfield Greene County 9-1-1 in Springfield, MO. An awarded speaker and instructor, Kris has delivered standout educational sessions, keynotes, motivational talks and yoga instruction to dispatchers across the country. He is also a long-time college adjunct instructor, teaching courses in communication and public safety leadership. Kris holds a Master of Arts in Communication and a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media from Missouri State University. He is also a registered yoga instructor.
