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grim23Of course you can sit here, and be protected while you feel small and discouraged. *hugs* No one will hurt you on my watch. Not even yourself. You deserve this, because you showed up and fought. That's more than most. There are those who understand this.
Of course, while you're there, you might hear stories of a certain person you know, training with people half his age or less, being pushed hard, in brutal tournaments and promotion tests. You'd certainly hear tales about the times he failed over and over again, and fell asleep with tears in his eyes no one else got to see. The bruises, the blood, the loneliness, the stiffness the next day, the fear, the disappointment ... this is why not many people choose this road, Warrior.
What makes it worth it, several times down this road, is that you realize it's getting easier, and you fail less, and you start to push back. You fear less. You realize you're stronger, and faster, and harder. When you fail, it's a challenge, and your eyes narrow and you figure out a way to do it more effectively next time, maybe just by a little bit.
After many times down this road, you realize that your eyes aren't narrowing anymore, and you've learned to overcome that particular challenge, and you're actually looking forward to the next challenge.
And, perhaps, one day, you may have the honor of telling your story to another who may need to hear it, while you protect and encourage them.
Of course, while you're there, you might hear stories of a certain person you know, training with people half his age or less, being pushed hard, in brutal tournaments and promotion tests. You'd certainly hear tales about the times he failed over and over again, and fell asleep with tears in his eyes no one else got to see. The bruises, the blood, the loneliness, the stiffness the next day, the fear, the disappointment ... this is why not many people choose this road, Warrior.
What makes it worth it, several times down this road, is that you realize it's getting easier, and you fail less, and you start to push back. You fear less. You realize you're stronger, and faster, and harder. When you fail, it's a challenge, and your eyes narrow and you figure out a way to do it more effectively next time, maybe just by a little bit.
After many times down this road, you realize that your eyes aren't narrowing anymore, and you've learned to overcome that particular challenge, and you're actually looking forward to the next challenge.
And, perhaps, one day, you may have the honor of telling your story to another who may need to hear it, while you protect and encourage them.
