Persistence
Ever had the feeling you were bein’ followed? It’s kinda spooky, ain’t it?
Not too long ago, Mrs. MZM and I decided to get out and enjoy the unusually pleasant Fall weather. (I use the word “unusual” because here in the Houston area, we typically have only two seasons: eleven sultry months of Summer followed by a month or so of cold, wet, yucky Winter.)
This particular day, though, was bright and clear, perhaps mid-80′s or so, with a nice, gentle breeze. It was perfect for taking time off to smell the flowers, if you get my meanin’. So we decided to go to a nearby park and see what there was to see.
This particular park happened to be built along a canal that wandered along for about a mile or so. After a few minutes, we decided to follow the sidewalk along the water. I’m tellin’ ya; it was a beautiful day, I had my Honey on my arm, and there was nowhere else I had to be. I mean, how perfect was that?
As we strolled along the waterway, enjoying the gentle warm sunshine, the delicious smell of pine trees, and the silly antics of an occasional duck or goose, I happened to glance down at the water at my feet. It was a surprising sight, to say the least: dozens of these tiny little fish were following us!
It seemed pretty funny, you know? I mean, it’s not like it was a school of piranha or anything. They’re just little fish, lookin’ for a handout. I imagine a fair percentage of folks who walk along this canal toss breadcrumbs or whatever into the water on a regular basis. So to them, any motion along the edges of their long, watery world spelled opportunity.
Unfortunately for them, though, we had nothing to give, so we just walked on. I’ll tell’ ya; I gotta give those little guys credit for persistence! They must’ve followed us for at least twenty minutes before finally giving up and heading for greener, uh, waters.
It reminded me, though, of the fact that while there’s opportunity all around us, sometimes it takes persistence to reap the benefits, y’know? (Not that it paid off for them that day, mind you, but they at least went with the odds.) So let’s take a lesson from my fine fishy friends (and I’m speakin’ to myself as well):
Keep on pluggin’ away, ’cause persistence can make all the difference!
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Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
That’s so cute! I love how everything you find is a lesson. Or rather, how you find the lessons in the things around you.
Robert, such a great reminder. When we give up we are assured of our outcome, but if we stay in the race we may actually win!
” any motion along the edges … spelled opportunity.” There’s some real truth to that. It makes me wonder what is happening along the edges of my world. Maybe I need to pay more attention to the edges.
(Though, lately, I’m not sure I can handle a smidgeon more of opportunity!)
@Emma – Thanks and a tip o’ the hat for sayin’ so, Emma.
@Karen – Very true. Winning is just a few steps farther than losing.
@Marcus – Well, there is that. You have to lift up your eyes and actually look to see ‘em. (Although I understand your final comment perfectly!)
“When opportunity knocks, be there!” Nice lesson there. I suppose you’ll be bringing some breadcrumbs for those guys next time?
@Karen – Yes I will. Guess their persistence worked on me after all!
Lovely analogy and important reminder. I agree with Emma – you surely do have a gift for finding the lessons in what others might miss. It’s like you squeeze the juicy vestiges from the mundane and viola…we get to drink it in. Sweet!
@Jeanne – Why thank you kindly, ma’am! (tips hat) I surely do enjoy a good story – especially when there’s a learning point in there somewhere.
It is possible they were a school of hopelessly romantic fish, and they were following along to enjoy the sight of two lovebirds walking along
(She says, being hopelessly romantic herself…)
@Joanna – You know, I hadn’t thought of that one! Makes the lesson a whole lotta different, doesn’t it? Maybe I should re-purpose the photo for Valentines?
Yes, persistence is the key to everything.
Persistence in studying
Persistence in developing our skills
Persistence in showing up
Persistence in being willing to “sell” and be rejected as those fish were rejected that day
Without persistence in doing those things that we have to get up for emotionally, we will not succeed in life.
I love the soft way you have presented this idea.
It is true, the truest thing in the world.
Beth
ToysPeriod is a leading online shop specializing in lego sets and model railroad equipment.
@Beth – Thank you kindly for adding your beautiful thoughts to the post, Beth. I truly appreciate your words!
Haha cool little fishes, I guess its safe to say that most successful people are those persistent ones, they wont quit until they have succeed in life. I just hope that many people in the world are persistent enough so that they can succeed as well.
Hi Robert,
Just stumbling on your posts. It’s a great post.
Persistence is a key for success. Without It We got nothing on our work.
Regards,
Emily
Contrary to comment by Beth, I couldn’t say that persistence is a key to everything. There’s no doubt persistence is a vital part of getting what you need (and want). If I need something enough, of course, I’ll be persistent on it. But if I only want it, then that’s another story.
ei, robert. don’t you think that school of fish are just there to look at a lovely couple walking by the canal? I commend you for taking your time to stroll with your wife.
all the best,
ria
Hi,
I stumbled upon this article and I couldn’t stand not to say anything about it. It’s writings like these that make us want to celebrate life.
I think that without persistence simply means that we are giving up hope. And when we lose hope, there is actually no point of living / existing. We may not have all the answers to the things that bother us in our daily lives but because of persistence, we keep on going and we do not lose hope. Otherwise, we lose the very essence of our existence. The world revolves around us but unfortunately it will not stop time for us. We have to persevere and be present with it. It’s such a cliche but time really travels so fast and before you know it you are still stuck in the same place right where you started.
We should seize the day! Great article!
@Emily – Absolutely right, Emily! Thanks for dropping by!
@Ria – Oh, I dunno, Ria; it seems like persistence is at least one of the keys to everything. Oh, sure; there’s other factors at work, but still…
@Emeric – You have a point about persistence and hope being linked. But I don’t agree the world revolves around us, though; it only seems to from our point of view. I truly appreciate the comments, Emeric.