Back in the Game

It has been a tough week for many of us, and an even tougher few months or rough 2024. If you are afraid to say things out loud, let me help you. I am going through it also. You are not alone.

I have been debating whether to write this to express support or optimism. Even with enough time, there are not enough words to describe what many of us feel. We are just not surprised, angry, or anxious. You have every reason to experience all of these mixed feelings.

It is understandable to look at this moment and feel in a state of unknown and despair as if we will never climb out of this hole, that there is no hope, and that things will not get better.

As of now, I am at a loss for words of encouragement that can inspire us. The best I can say is to watch the Avengers, Star Wars, or any superhero or Sci-Fi movie you favor. Why do I say this?

Think about films such as Avengers: Infinity War and Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, where we mostly see our favorite heroes with their backs against the wall. Spoiler alert: Thanos snapped half of humanity away. Darth Vader told Luke Skywalker he was his father, and the Empire ruled the Galaxy. We question how they will respond. What is next? How do they fight back? And that is the key. Keep fighting back.

Moments like these can make it easy to lose hope, accept defeat, and give up. But we must pick ourselves up and work harder for what we want. You are never alone; it takes a group effort. Find your support group. Do not let the outcomes or the situations around you stop you from achieving the goals or the change you want to see. It is easier said than done. Cliché, I know. But it is what we have to do.

My message might not be the best thing to hear right now, but it is something to remember as time passes. If it resonates with you, that is great. If not, you have every right to feel all of your current emotions. When you are ready to check back into the game, join everyone in the fight. You're not alone in this. So keep shooting that shot until you see it go in. Keep working the count until you get a hit. Above all else, don't give up. And in time, hope will come again.