Just the other day, I was taking my boys to see a movie, Creed II. Very good movie, by the way. Anyway, we were listening to the radio and talking about our New Year's resolutions. On the radio, was Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down.' How fitting was that!
Cooper's resolution was to break the 5 min mark on running a mile. Cody's was to get straight A's. Mine is to just keep trying to be a better person, keep working on myself.
I do not think they understood, because to them I am great. As a Dad, that is an awesome feeling. I sometimes wish I could bottle it up and spray them with it when they start to hate me. That will never happen! Them hating me I mean!
Back to the point. Many of you reading this have likely made a New Year's resolution. Many of you have also probably already jumped ship of going through with your resolution.
Resolutions should be a journey. It will take work each day. Cooper will not wake up tomorrow and run a sub 5 minute mile but he can work every day and chip at it by eating well, getting rest, running, etc. Cody will not wake up tomorrow and have straight A's in all his classes, but each day he can work towards it by studying earlier and doing his homework. For me, I will not wake up and become a better person. Each day I will have to work on myself by reading positive things, keeping my attitude in check, and watching how I treat others.
You will not wake up, and accomplish your resolution either. Each day you will need to work on the small things so you can accomplish the big things. A journey is not one large step, it is many steps. It is an adventure. It will have peaks and valleys, each with it's own lessons and beauty.
The only advice I can give you is it is all about your attitude and approach. When things are tough and your are feeling down, tired, fed up, remember this song and say to yourself
Well, I won't back down No, I won't back down You can stand me up at the gates of hell But I won't back down No, I'll stand my ground Won't be turned around And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down Gonna stand my ground And I won't back down I won't back down Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out I won't back down Hey I will stand my ground And I won't back down Well I know what's right I got just one life In a world that keeps on pushin' me around But I stand my ground And I won't back down
Look, if this song does not resonate with you, find another that does. No person's life is perfect as many of us think it is with the likes of social media. Remember, some of us have started the New Year off slowly with a death in the family, loss of a job, excuses on why we are not where we want to be, and then some of us have started off fast, with the birth of a child, marriage, a new job. We are all where we are. Your resolution can make you a better life. Your life is yours, so be selfish with it. I Won't Back Down from mine!
Tompetty. (2009, December 13). Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - I Won't Back Down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvITJrNJ5IA