People say "I can't take much more of this." But they can.

[Redstone]

Because what's the alternative?

I've done it myself. Even today, frequently.

Redstone

[WindRavenX]

1. I'm close to reaching my breaking point

I've been in therapy for a long time, and it isn't getting better. But I won't give up. But there are days when I am sick of everything.

[Redstone]

5. But you cannot give up. Can you?

Nor can I.

Redstone

[sendero]

11. The mere fact..

... that you are seeking to make things better practically guarantees that they will.

[Droopy]

2. I think some people

would be amazed at what a human can go through and persevere.

[Redstone]

7. But once you've been throught the amazing things and persevered,

what then?

I suppose what's left is to persevere through yet more. And there's something in that, isn't there?

Redstone

[bertha katzenengel]

3. "It takes a lot of doing to die." God damn right it does.

One of my favorite snips out of what I consider to be one of the best pieces of American Literature: A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I think a lot of people think of that book as a nicey-nice little story about a little girl but it is a very well-told tale of abject poverty, and it isn't pretty.

That line is spoken by the girl, as she becomes disillusioned by the theatre (turn of the 20th Century) -- the big strong man arriving just in time to save the day, because the weak young woman will just DIE! if she loses this job!!

It takes a lot of doing to die.

:pals:

[Redstone]

12. It's something that takes a lot of thought and doing right, according to

many Indian traditions. Your quote reflects that kind of thought.

Redstone

[skygazer]

4. Something I've pondered myself

I think the most profound thing I've learned in my life I learned when I hitchhiked across the country when I was 17. Alone. With no money.

Lesson being, you don't just curl up into a ball in the corner and die when things are tough. You do something, anything, whatever and you continue. Perhaps not comfortably or even legally, but you do.

Very liberating, that.

[Redstone]

6. Liberating, it is.

We must go on, musn't we? Because the only alternative is unacceptable.

Redstone

[leftofthedial]

8. what if we could consciously decide to go to sleep

and never wake up?

[Redstone]

9. We can. But I won't.

That's the coward's way out.

Redstone

[leftofthedial]

16. it's others who keep me going

too many people rely on me and look up to me

but when push comes to shove in the dark of the early morning, I have a hard time thinking of a reason not to just say "fuck it."

[Redstone]

18. You don't just say "fuck it" because you can't.

Nor can I.

We must persevere because, well, we must. Sometimes, actually all the time, that's the choice because there isn't any other.

And if we didn't persevere, think of the things we'd miss. Yes?

Redstone

[leftofthedial]

19. I have so much to do yet

that I have to kick myself in the ass from time to time, just for wasting the time to even think about saying "fuck it"

[Shine]

21. Some might argue that we are ALL here to "wake up"

Given that life has great suffering and great joy, the question then becomes: How do we make the most of the short time we are alive? How do we bring in more Awareness?? :shrug:

:hi:

[southlandshari]

10. You are so right, my friend.

There really is no breaking point, only points at which changing our own approach to events, problems, people, whatever stresses are at work may be the key to getting through them intact. Doesn't mean there won't be pain and challenge in life, but I do believe both are temporary and often really do make us stronger.

:hug:

[Redstone]

15. Thank you, Sharita.

Throw that hug smilie thing on my undamaged shoulder, would you? The bad one's trying to overwhelm me tonight. Has been trying all day. But I won't let it.

You're a peach.

Redstone

[southlandshari]

23. You got it, sweets.

:hug: in the appropriate position - and warm thoughts to you tonight, darlin'. I am always so happy to see you.

:D

[LynzM]

13. Heya Redstone

First, a :hug:, 'cause it sounds like you could use one.

And second, I agree. And I haven't even ever really been there, so to speak. But I've read a damned lot of things that make me amazed at the survival instincts of human beings, for damn sure. Emotional, physical, you name it.

[Redstone]

17. Thank you so much for being here. I know that you know more about

bearing crosses than you let on.

It's been a bad, bad day. Physical, that is; Mrs R has been her usual peachitudinal self through it all. But it gets to be crippling despite any attempts to make it not so.

Enough whining. Hug your husband and kiss your daughter. We'll drive out to lunch in Missy soon; the weather is almost right for it.

Redstone

[LynzM]

22. You're welcome.

And thank you for being here, as well. :hug:

I will most definitely distribute hugs and kisses, and I'm looking forward to lunch out! Thoughts on where you'd like to go? :)

[Cannikin]

14. I overshot my breaking point. Now I'm on lots of meds

[Shine]

20. That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.

:hug: