Don’t Quit…
“It is always too early to quit.” -Norman Vincent Peale
Good morning! Last week my mother and I were discussing how, when people find strength in unknown reserves,-and keep pushing forward despite the odds-they realize success. Almost every great success story has a “dark bottom,” where hoping seemed difficult-if not crazy! Yet, it is in those times that we learn our true strength and develop the skill set and attitude that brings long-term success.
When I was a little girl, I used to purchase inspirational quotes on bookmarks, wallet cards, etc. They were inexpensive and always made me smile. I have one thick gold card that features a poem titled “Don’t Quit.” The card is about twenty-five years old now, but the message is timeless. I wanted to share it with you this morning.
Don’t Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will.
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill.
When funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out:
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
-Anonymous
I have kept this card in my wallet for most of my life and turned to it when I was “hardest hit,” to remind myself that it is okay to rest, but not to quit. I am so glad that I never gave up on my dreams, or I wouldn’t have the privilege of sharing with all of you today.
Your Turn:
Print out today’s poem and keep it handy for times when you need a reminder to “stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit.”
Today’s Affirmation:
When things go wrong as they sometimes will, and the road ahead seems all uphill - I may rest, but I’ll never quit.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:07 am
I sure needed this today! Thank you so much.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Thank You Brook for including the “Don’t Quit” poem in your Good Morning message. This anonymous poem was published in a local newspaper column (perhaps “Ann Landers” but I’m not certain) when I was a teenager and I liked it so much I cut it out and have kept it for over 20 years! I have reread this poem many times over the years when I have experienced challenges in my life - it reminds me to keep moving foward and it’s message has always rung true.
November 26th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving.
I have this very poem on my desk and see it every day. When I was diagnosed with liver disease and needed a transplant, I read this every day telling myself not to give up, to fight and never quit. Here I am, 11 1/2 years after my liver transplant and still enjoying this poem. While my day-to-day struggles aren’t as major as they were before, there are still challenges in my life and this is a good reminder to “hang in there”. Thanks for sharing this with everyone. It will stand you in good stead.
-Maggie-
November 26th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Happy Thanksgiving! I also have a little wallet card that I have had for at least 20 years. I always seem to stumble onto it when I need it most. Thanks Brook for sharing this poem and bringing back memories.
November 28th, 2008 at 12:53 am
So very true “I may rest but I will never quit” Since the passing of my husband I have learned a lot of lessons in life. I need to keep moving on and not quit because I still have 4 little girls to raise and give all the wonderful things life can bring. Have a nice thanksgiving