Carry On!
“The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings.” — Albert Schweitzer, 1966
It’s the end of the year, and we’re all spent.
Not only with the busyness of the end of the quarter, the end of the year, the holidays, a tripledemic, and just all of this [waves arms around].
There are people, particularly at this time of the year, who are despaired and worried. Even people who might not be displaying such angst externally.
Whenever we’re at a low point and things look bleak, it’s especially helpful to remember that whatever it is, it’s temporary. This too shall pass.
As I was struggling for the words to describe the moment and inject a bit of hope, I came across an old Robert W. Service poem (date unknown) that captured the sentiment.
Carry On!
by Robert W. Service
It’s easy to fight when everything’s right,
And you’re mad with the thrill and the glory;
It’s easy to cheer when victory’s near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It’s a different thing when everything’s wrong.
When you’re feeling infernally mortal;
When it’s ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier and chortle:
Carry on! Carry on!
There isn’t much punch in your blow.
You’re glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You’re muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven’t the ghost of a show.
It’s looking like death, but while you’ve a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on!
And so in the strife of the battle of life
It’s easy to fight when you’re winning;
It’s easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there’s a man of God’s choosing;
The man who can fight to Heaven’s own height
Is the man who can fight when he’s losing.
Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven’t a cowardly streak,
And though you’re unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up for another attack.
It’s looking like hell, but—you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on!
There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow.
But to labor with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why, there’s the real sunshine of living.
Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There’s big work to do, and that’s why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!
My wish for you today and always is that you find the strength to carry on.
Find your strength through the relationships you cherish, the books you read, the leaders you admire, and the actions you take.
The inspiration is there.
It’s just waiting for you to discover it and share it with others.
Thanks, and I’ll see you on the internet.
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