“The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself–the invisible battles inside all of us–that’s where it’s at.”

~ Jesse Owens

I ran track in high school, and I’m familiar with competition.  Probably too familiar.  Today’s quote echoes what I’ve learned over the years.  The most important race that you’ll ever run is the internal marathon that lasts a lifetime.  We all struggle silently, battling our own personal demons: self-doubt, self-loathing, self-persecution of mistakes made.  All of us do, and if someone says they don’t, they are lying to themselves.

It’s natural for all of us to have these feelings.  What’s most important is that we don’t let this negativity win.  We must swim against the current of our own self-sabotage to grow and evolve into better versions of ourselves, and it’s never easy.

Our limbs strain against the rip currents of our psyches, draining us of any potential joy and happiness that might greet us when our feet touch dry land.  Let yourself win.  At least once.  Don’t give in to the internal monologue that tells us we can’t.  That tells us we are inadequate.  That tells us we are unlovable.

Fight for your happiness.

Fight for your joy.

Fight.

Until your eyes close forever, and your time on this earth has been spent.

Fight.

You’re worth it.