This Too Shall Pass

“This too shall pass” is a well-known phrase that has been used for centuries. It was made famous by Abraham Lincoln in addresses he made just before he became president.  It is originally attributed to a Persian king who asked one of his advisers for a phrase that would make him happy when he was sad and could also make him sad when he was happy.  The advisor came back to him with “this too shall pass.”  What I get from reading this phrase is to remember that nothing is permanent. Change happens. When things are bad, remember that we will get through this. When things are good, we should appreciate the moment because it will pass as well.

I believe that this phrase is as important now as it ever has been. We need to remember that despite how challenging times might be at this very moment, “this too shall pass.” We will get through this. We will recover. We will be stronger. In our better moments, it’s easy to remember this, but when moments are harder it’s easy to forget unless we consciously make an effort to remember.

This also relates to one of our Martial Arts mindsets “this challenge will make me stronger.” Challenging times will either build us or break us. Deciding which one is up to us. Giving in and giving up is easy in the short term, but it will make our life harder in the long term. Standing up and leaning into our challenge is a harder choice in a short term, but it will make for an easier, more rewarding life in the long term.

Finally, when you’re trying to find the will to keep pushing, know that the universe has a way of awarding us for that hard work and effort. So, the next time you feel like throwing in the towel, just remember, “This too shall pass.”