Finding Strength in Adversity – A Lesson from “Carry On”

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Good morning Grinder,

Have you ever stood at a crossroads where the weight of your challenges felt unbearable? Perhaps it was a personal goal that seemed out of reach, a professional hurdle that felt insurmountable, or even a season of life where nothing seemed to go your way. These moments test us profoundly, not only pushing our limits but also revealing who we truly are.

When life becomes a battlefield of doubt and difficulty, how do you find the strength to continue? How do you fight through exhaustion, frustration, and uncertainty? These are questions we all face at some point, and they’re precisely the ones poet Robert W. Service addresses in his timeless work, Carry On.

Service’s poem is more than a literary piece; it’s a rallying cry for the human spirit. In its verses, we find a powerful reminder that perseverance is not merely about endurance—it’s about thriving amidst adversity. It challenges us to meet despair with resilience, to find purpose in struggle, and to keep moving forward, even when the road ahead seems impossible.

Let’s take a moment to immerse ourselves in the poem. As you read, reflect on its profound message and consider how it applies to your own journey.

Carry On

By Robert W. Service

It’s easy to fight when everything’s right,
And you’re mad with the thrill and the glory;
It’s easy to cheer when victory’s near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It’s a different song when everything’s wrong,
When you’re feeling infernally mortal;
When it’s ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:

Carry on! Carry on!
There isn’t much punch in your blow.
You’re glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You’re muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven’t the ghost of a show.
It’s looking like death, but while you’ve a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on!

And so in the strife of the battle of life
It’s easy to fight when you’re winning;
It’s easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there’s the man of God’s choosing;
The man who can fight to Heaven’s own height
Is the man who can fight when he’s losing.

Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven’t a cowardly streak,
And though you’re unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up for another attack.
It’s looking like hell, but—you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on!

There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow.
But to labour with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why, there’s the real sunshine of living.

Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There’s big work to do, and that’s why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!

The Essence of Perseverance

What makes Carry On so compelling is its raw honesty. Service does not romanticize struggle. Instead, he acknowledges that fighting through adversity is painful, muddy, and exhausting. Yet, he also insists that this very struggle is where true strength is born.

When everything goes right, it’s easy to feel confident and victorious. However, as the poem points out, the real test of character comes when everything seems to go wrong. In those moments, when the odds are stacked against us and hope feels distant, we discover the depth of our resilience. The call to “Carry on!” is not about ignoring the difficulty but embracing it as a vital part of our growth.

Service reminds us that resilience is a choice. While circumstances may be beyond our control, our response to them is not. Each time we decide to persevere—to take another step, to try again, to fight another day—we are choosing courage over fear and determination over despair.

Finding Purpose in the Struggle

Another powerful theme in Carry On is the idea of finding purpose and joy, even in the act of giving your best. Service suggests that the sweetness of life lies not in avoiding challenges but in engaging with them wholeheartedly. To “labour with zest, and to give of your best” is to live fully and authentically.

This perspective can transform the way we approach hardship. Instead of seeing struggles as obstacles to avoid, we can view them as opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the world around us. By helping others and bringing light to their lives, we create a ripple effect of positivity and resilience.

The Legacy of Carrying On

The final stanza of the poem offers a profound reflection on the legacy we leave behind. Service urges us to make the world better for having been here. This doesn’t necessarily mean achieving monumental success or fame. It’s about the small, meaningful ways we impact others through kindness, perseverance, and hope.

When our time comes, Service envisions us leaving with a cry of triumph: “Carry on, my soul! Carry on!” This is not just a call to action for the living but a testament to the enduring spirit that refuses to give up, even in the face of death. It’s a powerful reminder that the way we live—with courage, joy, and determination—becomes our greatest legacy.

Applying the Lessons of Carry On

So, how can we bring the lessons of this poem into our daily lives? Start by asking yourself these questions:

• When faced with difficulty, how do I typically respond? Do I retreat, or do I rise?

• How can I find purpose in the struggles I face, seeing them as opportunities rather than setbacks?

• Am I living in a way that leaves a positive impact on the people around me?

Take these reflections and let them guide your actions. The next time you encounter a challenge, remember Robert W. Service’s words: “Carry on!” Embrace the struggle, knowing it’s shaping you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.

Here’s to facing life’s battles with courage, determination, and an unwavering spirit. Carry on!

With gratitude and resilience,

N. Amadeus

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