Happy Thanksgiving!

As we take stock of all we’re grateful for this Thanksgiving, I have my own bit of gratitude to share: I’m thankful for perseverance.

Just to make sure I’m using the right word, I looked it up. Perseverance is defined as “steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.”

Yep, right word.

Just yesterday, I received something I’ve worked toward for more than 10 years–full licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (which means I can start my own company, instead of working for someone else, among other things). And, I realized I wasn’t as grateful for the “license,” but for the perseverance it took to achieve it.

Besides the four out-of-state moves during my journey, there were also three beautiful children to birth–and raise. Then, there were more practical obstacles. Like the semester I had to drive through a Big Island rainforest for two hours each way to attend class. Or, when I flew to another state to attend lectures because I desperately needed the hours. Or, how about the many times I brought my toddler to MFT supervision, so I could continue to see clients? And, here’s the best one–pumping breast milk during small group consultations during graduate school (that one, I’d rather forget). Yes sir–then, I had to put said breast milk into the school refrigerator to cool.

Looking back, it was just easier to give up.

And, isn’t that how we all feel sometimes? Not just in life, but also when we have conflict. Who HASN’T said, “I’m not willing to fight that battle!”? But, when it comes right down to it, isn’t the resolution worth the perseverance it sometimes takes to achieve it?

So, here’s to gettin’ it done, no matter what the obstacles or challenges and relishing the rewards when you achieve your goals!

Britt