TRIUMPH OF DEFEAT

By: Andrew Almonte

I will not fail.

I shall not be defeated.

The world has laughed and mocked me enough. I was the worm whom they trampled beneath their feet. Now, I am the mighty lion that will devour them. Behold, I shall use all the powers in me to be the best I can. Glory is not a matter of destiny alone, but choice.

I can use my hands to dig my own grave or use it to build for myself a marble citadel where I can stand. I can turn my heart into the dumpsite of mediocrity yet also I have the power to transform my heart into a golden temple where the gods can dwell.

THE CHOICE IS MINE.

If the eagles can brave the fierce winds, if the deer can cleverly elude her hunter and if the lion can overpower the bear, how is it impossible for a man not to triumph over his struggles? They are but animals ruled by savage instincts. I am a woman with an immortal soul.

COURAGE shall be my WINGS.

Adversity would only make me soar higher just as the kite ascends through the wind. I can refuse to be a useless surf thrown helplessly by the waves. I’m a ship with a rudder. i can go where I want to go. I will reach my destined glory…

I shall value every stride I make for each one brings me closer to my goal. My heart shall not be troubled when other runners pass me by or when I find myself at the end of my trail. My race is not against others, but a challenge against myself.

Rough roads will not scare me nor steep climbs dampen my spirit. I will be more afraid when the path is smooth.

Great men travel by rough roads.Weak men choose the easier path.To be in adversity is a sacred privilege.

I am not a child who must be held by the hand along the smooth path of marbled highway, nor a dainty moth who is contented to play in a garden of flowers. I am a woman who is ready to endure the rugged trail of life. Fear belongs to the fool.

I am a hawk challenging the sky.

I will not, for any reason, look back the distance I have covered behind. The past is past. I will not be overconfident when I find myself ahead of the pack. Overconfidence is a treacherous friend.

I shall not look on what is ahead of me. If I concentrate my attention on other things, it will slow me down. The shades of the trees will tempt me to rest, the sight of a river will make me more thirsty and the quite meadows will invite me to slumber.

DISCIPLINE will make me ENDURE.

When I will be tempted to stop, I will imagine the triumph ahead of me. When my legs are strained, I will double my efforts to run faster. When in doubt, I shall believe.

As soon as my throat bellows for water, I will not stop to drink. After the race, I can have all the water I want.

The time to rest is later.

This is the moment of struggle.

If there is something worth weeping for, it is wasted time. Noble dreams cannot afford delay.

My muscles and bones may not have the strength to surpass the other runners, but my faith is stronger than all the bulls of Persia and all the mighty chariots of Sparta.

My faith shall do the impossible.

A herd of leopards will run in the presence of a courageous lamb. Impossibilities exist only in the minds of the fools. I am not a fool.

I believe in the impossible…

I ask the world to witness me race. Cast your eyes upon the countenance of a brave woman.

I shall not be defeated.

I will run. I shall triumph.