little things

"Maybe that's the lesson for me today, to hold onto these simple moments - appreciate them a little more, there's not many of them left. I don't ever want that for you, finding things that make you happy shouldn't be so hard. I know you'll face pain, suffering, hard choices but you can't let the weight of it choke the joy out of your life. No matter what, you have to find the things that love you. Run to them. There's an old saying - that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I don't believe that. I think the things that try to kill you make you angry and sad. Strength comes from the good things, your family, your friends, the satisfaction of hard work. Those are the things that will keep you whole, those are the things to hold onto when you're broken." - Jackson 'Jax' Teller (Sons of Anarchy)



A short monologue to start with, just something to set the tone. Season 5, episode 1: Jax is explaining a detailed long run and how the simple moments of the ride are appreciated just a little more than usual. I find that as he explains more in detail about how he wishes his sons to never have that issue, the striking "old saying" appears: that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Teller is right; it is indeed true that things that try to kill you do make you angry and sad.

You're constantly wondering and struggling with the unsuccessful question of "Why?" "Why me?" "Why now?"

I agree with him, in truth, whatever demons you face, whatever struggles that try and control you, whatever pains that stress you, they don't make you stronger after you've conquered them, they only make you delve into more and more hatred and despair. Cling to what you love; strength does come from good things, never bad, strength comes from your son or daughters eyes, strength comes from your mothers voice, a friends listening ear, strength comes from the satisfaction of completing something, of doing better.

I've had a severe rough patch as of late and though I have slowly become numb to everything, I am realizing where my true strength is coming from. It's coming from the love and care of those around me, it's coming from what keeps me moving, what keeps my head straight; my son. It's coming from these writings, so simple yet so real.

"you can try and break me down all you want, but i will always have the advantage." - Ryan D.

"Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient; For in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation." - Sirach 2:4-5