"The great ones can do it, no matter how exhausted they are. It's what sets the sports champions apart. They have the ability to rise to the occasion. They can manage their energy and draw on it when they need it most. It's an invaluable asset." (Patrick Lindsay, Make the Most of You)
In my 27 years of life, nothing has ever made me believe this quote as much as I do now that I am a mother and a wife. Not the sleepless nights working at the sewing machine constructing prom dresses. Not the long days without any breaks in the basement (aka "the dungeon") of the Fashion Institute of Technology knitting my life away. Not even the time I was working two jobs and managing going to college at the same time beat motherhood!
As mothers we spend every minute, every second of our lives caring for another human being (some more than just one) and still find the strength to take care of ourselves, our own needs, and our own pleasures. We are the QUEENS of multi-tasking! I remember when I was pregnant during the hot summer in NYC, taking the trains every morning to work and then having to go to college for a class. There were days I felt so exhausted, I didn't even know how I was going to get up from my bed to do it all over again. Knowing that I had to do it all for the little person that was growing inside of me is what helped me to continue. I worked and went to class up until the day before I went into labor.
I believe what drives us and doesn't allow us to give up at any given moment is because we know how much our children need us. That sense of being needed for care and protection gives us the energy to continue right when we feel that we have none left. Even if you are not a parent, there is always a reason and purpose for pushing yourself to do the things you do. That reason and purpose is what will help you find the strength you need to keep going. Whether it be for your self-actualization or for someone important in your life, that is your fuel of energy.
These past few weeks have not been easy for me trying to finish up essay papers for school and study for finals all while having a teething baby at my side day and night. On top of that the world keeps revolving around me and that brings on other issues that occupy my mind and my time. I can't even count the times I have felt I had no more energy and wanted to call it quits on the things that made me happy. Things like finishing my teaching certification, making time to go to the gym, and even keeping up with my blog! I always seem to find the strength to push through and get back on track even if it is for my daughter's sake.
We all have the energy within us to conquer and achieve what we desire. As long as there is a meaningful purpose behind the things that you do, your strength is inexhaustible.