They Who Endure, Conquer

The year was 2006 and the poster was simple enough. The Lakers just had their first season without Shaq, posting an unremarkable 34-48 record while missing the playoffs for only the fifth time in franchise history.

Carl’s Jr. released a poster featuring the faces of Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant with the records of their worst seasons written under their faces. Then the simple words “They Who Endure, Conquer.”

I naturally picked up the poster and displayed it with my Lakers memorabilia wherever I lived. But I would think of those words whenever challenging situations presented themselves.

As today is the last day of 2013, it’s only natural to be reflective. And for me, you could say it’s been a bit of a year. But I never try to lose perspective. And as I sit back and go through everything that has happened, the above quote sticks with me.

Sometimes moments can define us. But other times it is necessary to choose how you are defined.

As I have read up and philosophized with many fine people the common quote is “When it rains, it pours.” It’s true. Events can be sequential.

If you find yourself being knocked down in a street during a rainstorm, regaining your footing can be challenging. The thud of the rain drops blind you like daggers to the eyes. Meanwhile you try to just do whatever you can to regain your footing, but to be knocked down again is discouraging. You feel like your feet are cement blocks.

During these times you accept it is a rough patch but can hold on to hope that the sun shall shine again. When you try to open that umbrella and the wind punches holes in it, there is no protection and you still get soaked.

And that is the crossroads of sorts. Do you let the storm define you? Or do you force yourself to regain your composure and press forward. Because you have an inherent believe that you will not break.

Some periods of time are rougher than others. And while scars form their shape, and they may never fully disappear, they do eventually fade in the sun. And that is why the choice is made to pursue light.

There aren’t many guarantees in this short life of ours. But I’d like to think that things do happen for a reason. Even though 2013 was the most challenging of my life and I was getting my face busted in the ring while falling against the ropes, I chose to stand back up.

I look toward the sky often, whether the sun shines or not, and I wonder what is in store for me. We must do the best with the information that we have.

I am ready for 2014. I believe great things are on the horizon. I know that no matter how scary the storm may get, family and friends provide shelter from the chaos.

Perhaps it takes that darkness to find a serene light. One thing I do know though:

They Who Endure, Conquer.

Peace, love, and a little sarcasm, j.d.k.