According to Merriam – Webster the essential meaning of perseverance is: the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult.
I’m a compartmentalizer and a fan of distraction, and like millions of others, I am also addicted to word games like the NY Times Spelling Bee and Wordle. It’s no surprise, then, that I look at a word like perseverance, and other words start announcing themselves. Are you game?
Persevere like your life depends on it, because it always does but especially now in these challenging, changing times. You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, that is ill-advised.
You can stay the course, whatever that course is. Do not give in or give up. You’ve got this!
Serve, yourself first, by whatever means necessary to feed your spirit, keep your mind limber, and your body in good health. Then you will have the fuel to serve elsewhere when that feels right, including our ailing planet and of course, other people.
Perseverance sometimes requires ditching old patterns. Don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. Veer right or left, take a new path. Think outside the box.
Sever from people and habits that no longer serve you. They only make it harder to persevere.
Ah reverence… Use the vocabulary of the divine in your every day. Find what is holy in the ordinary. Can’t find it? Scan again. Wherever you are this moment, within your field of vision there is at least one thing you revere. Did you look inward?
Use ritual to persevere. Do what you know soothes. Break for the cup of tea, pause in silence, look out a window, step outside, breathe, play a game. I turned my writing table into an altar the other day. True, it was a distraction from the task at hand, but it also brought me to the altar to do the writing ritual. And not so secretly I like pretending to be a high priestess. Don’t be afraid to play—and laugh—in service of perseverance and the greater good.
Presence is everything. Honor the moment. Stay in it.
Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Divine Ready 