It would be unrealistic for a boxer to get into the ring and not expect to be hit. Likewise, it is unrealistic for us to think that we will not suffer disappointments or take hits in life. I have seen boxers lose several rounds, take blow after blow, appear to be defeated, and come back and with the fight. A well-known watch manufacturer used to have an advertisement with the slogan, “takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” to describe the durability of its watches. The most persistent of us have been known to go through major setbacks, upheavals, and losses in life and yet live to see major victories.
You will never know your strength until it has been tested. When you have been tested in life and continue to persevere, you learn that you are strong enough to keep going even with obstacles and setbacks. No one wants to be disappointed, hurt, or wounded, but life will serve you a healthy portion, if you live long enough. The key to success is being disciplined to take the hits but keep moving forward with determination. Of course, there are those who may oppose you, and sometimes you will inadvertently oppose yourself, but absorb or deflect the hurt and look for today’s and tomorrow’s victories because they are sure to come if you keep reaching.
Yes, it is difficult to smile, talk, hope, or move forward when you are in pain. Nevertheless, the pain will win if you give in to it, and your smile will be drowned by your sorrows unless you can see victory beyond the blows. Perhaps you have heard the saying, “grin and bear it,” if so, it may be time to smile because you now know that you can take the hit and still see the victory.