I have often found myself, by choice or circumstance, in the arena, battling my fears, trembling in fear, defeated more by myself than the battle.

Not anymore!

I am in the arena.
I know why I am there.
I stand in more confidence.
I rise when I’m struck down.
I empower others to also rise.

My inspiration for today’s thought comes via Aaron Kelson, a good friend from our college days, who shared his thoughts on Teddy Roosevelt’s passionate speech formally entitled “Citizenship in a Republic”. It’s commonly called “Man In The Arena” because of this particular passage.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

I have won without trying.
I have failed when giving up.
I have succeeded when trying.
I have failed while daring greatly.
I will, undoubtedly, feel both again.

As for today…

I am a warrior.
I am in the arena.

What about you?

Have a beautiful Monday! Thanks for letting me share!

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