The Heart of a Warrior: Lessons from "Carry On"

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Good morning Grinders,

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and defeats. It is during the most challenging times that our true strength and character are revealed. Today, I want to share an inspiring poem by Robert William Service titled "Carry On." This powerful piece encapsulates the essence of perseverance, courage, and unwavering spirit. By breaking down the poem into three segments, we will explore how its profound message can teach and inspire us to keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances.

“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!”

Embracing the Struggle

Service begins by acknowledging the ease of fighting when everything is going well. When we're riding high on the thrill of victory, it’s easy to keep pushing forward. However, true strength is revealed when the odds are against us. When hope seems lost, and we feel overwhelmed, that's when our character is tested.

Thomas Edison serves as a perfect example of this resilience. Despite facing countless failures before inventing the electric light bulb, Edison’s determination never wavered. He famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Even when success seemed impossible, Edison carried on. His perseverance eventually led to monumental success, transforming the world with his inventions.

In our own lives, we often encounter moments when we feel defeated and exhausted. During these times, it’s crucial to remember that every effort, no matter how small, is a step towards our goal. The struggle itself shapes our resilience and fortitude. When you’re muddy and bloody, and it seems like there’s no hope, remember to “Carry on!” Your perseverance will pave the way for future triumphs.

“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!”

Fighting Through Adversity

Service continues by contrasting the ease of perseverance during success with the challenge of maintaining courage in the face of defeat. True courage and strength are not measured by how we act when we are winning, but by how we respond when everything seems to be falling apart.

J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, faced numerous rejections before finding a publisher willing to take a chance on her work. At the time, she was a single mother living on welfare, struggling to make ends meet. Despite these hardships, she continued to pursue her dream. Rowling’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and believing in oneself even when success seems distant. Her unwavering determination eventually led to one of the most successful book series in history.

In our own lives, we must remember that adversity is not a sign to give up but an opportunity to grow stronger. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, it is our perseverance and resilience that define us. Even when the odds are against us, we must brace ourselves for another attack and continue to carry on. By doing so, we demonstrate our true strength and character, inspiring others to do the same.

Finding Purpose and Joy in Giving

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!

Finding Purpose and Joy in Giving

In the final segment, Service emphasizes the importance of living with purpose and joy. True fulfillment comes not from achieving personal gain but from giving our best to help others and make the world a better place.

Nelson Mandela exemplifies this principle. Despite spending 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid, Mandela remained committed to his vision of equality and justice. His perseverance and dedication not only led to his release but also to the eventual dismantling of apartheid and his presidency. Mandela’s life demonstrates that true joy and fulfillment come from laboring with zest and giving our best to make a positive impact on the world.

In our own lives, we can find true purpose and joy by helping others and contributing to the greater good. By embracing our mission with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, we can make a significant difference. When we greet life with a cheer and carry on despite the challenges, we inspire those around us and create a ripple effect of positive change.

Carry On, No Matter What

Life will inevitably throw challenges our way. There will be moments when giving up seems like the easiest option. But it is in these moments that we must dig deep, find our inner strength, and carry on. Remember the words of Robert William Service, and let them fuel your determination:

"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!"

Let us draw inspiration from the resilience of Thomas Edison, J.K. Rowling, and Nelson Mandela. Their stories teach us that no matter how bleak the situation, perseverance and unwavering belief in our mission can lead to incredible achievements.

Until our next newsletter, keep pushing forward. You possess the strength to overcome any obstacle, the resilience to persist through any challenge, and the spirit to thrive no matter the circumstances. Together, let's make the world a better place by carrying on with hope and determination.

Carry on, my soul! Carry on!

Warm regards,

N. Amadeus

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