The harder you fall, the higher you bounce...

The disappointment of not quite making it, of going so far and stumbling along the path, can be devastating, can lead to those less strong willed to falter and give up. The real believers, indeed the real champions are the people who fly in the face of adversity, who say 'hey I don't agree with this, but it makes me stronger' who take the hit on the chin, analyse what made this happen and who come back better prepared, chasing that goal with ever greater hunger and fervor rather than shrinking away from the task in hand.

When circumstances around you take away what you believe in your heart is possible just remember that "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 and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, 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 he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” (Roosevelt) Ultimately the harder you fall the higher you bounce and if you're made of the right stuff you will reach that summit, and surpass it.

Ultimately in life miracles don't just happen, you have to make them happpen, these don't neccessarily come easily but the hard work, sweat and tears that make them happen make the victory all the sweeter. The path along the way is lined by hard work, good friends, kicks up the backside and friendly words of encouragement, take the most from all of them and use them to your advantage. Everything worth doing in life is hard, keep the friends, minimise the kicks up the backside and store the encouragement, there are always people around to help you, to pick you up when you fall and who will help you acheive your goals. Bear in mind that if you only do what you've always done, then you will only get what you've already got, always be moving forward, even if it's small steps, as long as they are aimed in the right direction they all help.

Life is only ever what you make of it, in your persuit of something amazing don't forget to stop and take stock of your surroundings, enjoy the journey, it will help to keep you motivated towards your end goal. Make the most of the detours that will inevitably come along, but don't lose sight of your ultimate goal. Have no regrets and make the most of every opportunity, those who stand still will merely see it all pass by, those who are truely fulfilled are those who make things happen, who get involved in whatever mix life throws at them.

My Parents (and me!) My biggest source of motivation, encouragement, love and support and to whom I am eternally thankful. :)