In the movie “Bucket List” Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson have made a list of things to do before they die. In the opening moments of the movie Morgan Freeman is philosophizing about life. He states “The sum of a person’s life, some would tell you is measured by the ones left behind. Some believe it can be measured by faith, some say by love, other fools say life has no meaning at all. Me, I believe that you measure yourself by the people that measure themselves by you.”
I tend to agree with Morgan Freeman. Ask yourself if others are measuring themselves by you? If they are, then you are excelling in the following:
Endurance is the measure of a person’s stamina or persistence and their ability to endure hardship. You are being put to the test these days. Others are watching you endure. They don’t totally understand the pressure you are under, but they know it’s a lot. Your style, your grace and your coolness matter to them. Vince Lombardi said “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”
Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Furthermore it is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement. It is easy to become discouraged these days. It takes courage to fight through the daily battles laid out on your plate. Vince Lombardi also said "If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done." You are making many sacrifices these days because you believe what you are doing is worthwhile. You know it’s not just about you but all those around you who are counting on you. Others are watching your display of courage.
Fortitude is the power to have strength and be firm in those things you believe in and know to be true. It is the strength of your mind which enables you to deal with adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency. "Extolling patience is the truest fortitude." Milton. "Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues." Locke. Your intestinal fortitude is being challenged daily and others are watching to see if you have what it takes. Are you following a game plan that you believe in or are you bouncing around in uncharted waters. In rough seas you need to stay the course, but you must also first chart the right course.
In closing, let’s revisit Morgan Freeman’s words, “You measure yourself by the people that measure themselves by you”. So as others around you measure themselves by your Endurance, Courage and Fortitude keep in mind that those three attributes are going to be the difference between the dealers that make it and those that don’t. This is a win/win deal for you and those that emulate you. You win as you excel in those three areas, and those around you win as they enhance their lives by following the example you set. That’s all I’m gonna say.
Tommy Gibbs