E is for Endurance
E is the fifth letter of the alphabet, and the most commonly used vowel. As a result, it appears more in the middle of words than at the beginning. But there are still quite a few interesting words starting with E that help us define our experiences with Excitement, Enjoyment and Enormous Entertainment. J
E also stands for Effectiveness, Excellence and Engagement, but it takes a lot of Energy and Effort to make life look Easy. One of the most powerful words starting with E is Empathy, which is actually Compassion in action.
Since I have already written about Compassion, I want to talk about a different word — Endurance. In the dictionary, Endurance stands for the power to withstand something challenging or painful. It also signifies the ability to suffer patiently or to withstand wear and tear, and remain in existence.
Usually it is used to indicate someone’s ability to participate in sporting activity that requires great physical stamina. The sports specialists actually classify Endurance into two types — Cardiovascular, which is the ability of the body to deliver blood, oxygen and nutrients to working muscles, and the ability of the muscles to use that oxygen to do work. The other is muscular endurance, which is the ability of a muscle to do work without fatiguing.
However, like in my previous posts, what I want to talk about is a person’s emotional and mental endurance to overcome challenges in life. Everyone goes through ups and downs in one’s life. It is almost like a law of nature. Someone once said that just like it takes all kinds of people to make this world, it takes all kinds of days to make a life.
What one has to remember is that each hardship that we face, makes us stronger and more resilient, if we come out smiling. The next hardship becomes easier to handle. Something that I like to remind myself in moments of darkness is that nothing is permanent, and this too shall pass.
To dream big, one needs to have endurance. One who has endurance becomes unbeatable, and the height of one’s persistence and endurance actually decides the height of one’s success.
These days when the world is battling an unprecedented pandemic, most of us are left to protect ourselves in isolation. There is very little we can do to change the situation. In fact, the experts and the governments are asking us not to do anything other than staying put at home. It is a test of our endurance to live through this situation and wait for this situation to change.
What is important is to keep your composure, seek the support of your family and friends, count your blessings and look at the silver lining that every cloud has. I know it is easier said than done, but what else can you do. You cannot let the pain overpower you. The pain should make you stronger and your ability to deal with it helps you get ahead.
Let me know what you think about this. I will be happy to have a conversation about this and other ways to make yourself stronger.
