You’ve probably heard the joke about the men being chased by the bear in the woods. When one stops to tie his sneaker, the other one looks at him like he’s crazy. But the man replies, “I don’t have to be the fastest… just faster than you.” As I progress through life, I’m convinced that is concept is the reason some people get through the programs and land the jobs and promotions they do. It’s how some people stay married as long as they do. They just stick it out. They simply show up, day after day, while others quit or move on to do different things. They outlast.
This life lesson was ingrained deeply in me as a child. So, so deeply. It affected every activity, every project, even a random whim to open a lemonade stand on a Saturday afternoon. My little brother and I were taught that we did not have to be the best. We did not have to finish first. We just had to finish. We absolutely had to finish. We were taught to outlast.
During one of our recent bedtime battles, one of the twins put up a particularly valiant fight. She lost her voice and I lost my will, but I couldn’t give in. I couldn’t give in to her anger and I couldn’t leave. I’ve done both in the past, but this time was different. She had clearly lost control, and she needed me to wait it out. I had to outlast her, to show her that I’d still be here to love her when it was over. I had nothing to say to her but I sent everyone out of the room, refusing to shame her. I felt this desire to keep the others from seeing her so vulnerable, so rock-bottom. Finally, she whispered that she was all done. And then she crawled into my lap. Because I was there. I hadn’t given up on her.
Society tells us over and over again that it’s okay to quit. If you don’t like your job, find a new one. Maybe it wasn’t a good fit. If your friend hurts your feelings, drop her. There are more out there and you didn’t need her anyway. If your kid pitches a fit in a store, give him whatever it takes to quiet him down.
I’m not saying that these are terrible suggestions. But I want things to be different. I want to be part of a generation full of women who know how to dig their heels in. I want to be faithful in my work and in my relationships. Sometimes, that type of faithfulness involves being super productive and forward-thinking. Other times, it asks me to hang on with white knuckles while the other stuff passes by. In those cases, I’m simply an outlaster.
16 Comments
i’m right there beside you with white knuckles.
Oh my goodness I love this so much and desperately needed to hear it.
You’re a strong lady, and I love being encouraged by you.
You have been such a source of strength for me. I have a 7 month old and a 22 month old and so many things u say truly resonate. Your words are empowering and I thank you so much for sharing :)
Such wisdom in this – outlast the latest phase, the list of things that must be done, the rocky part of marriage. And such a sense of peace in that sometimes it doesn’t take anything more than holding on. Just being there and putting your head down and surviving is enough. You’re a beautiful strong woman and I’m glad to know you.
this comment… good gracious.
This is just what I needed to hear. Thank you for putting your hardships into inspiring words.
This is good. I am so good at starting things, so good at planning things–so not enthused to do the thankless, often recognition-less job of outlasting. Thank you for the nudge.
Loving every word of this. Bookmarking for future reference because I know I’ll need to read it again someday.
Shoot, after the week I’ve had… I need to bookmark it for myself!
What a post, I definitely needed to hear this. Such an inspiration! I have felt like this past year has been a challenging one…I never feel like I met the mark. But after reading this I realize I was doing just what I needed to be doing…sticking with it and being an outlaster. Fantastic post!
I love this post – it really hit home with me. Quick question if you have a moment: my 3.5 year old has also been having some epic meltdowns and tantrums, and I want to sit with her in some of them, just as you said above, to simply ride it out, however i also have a 2 year old, and have found that calmly sitting with Olive and waiting for her to settle is hard with the 2 y.o. since i’m home alone with them. Any suggestions how I can echo the respect and company you gave your daughter, while still needing to parent a 2 y.o. who gets into everything?
Thanks! – love your blog.
Jesse
Are you able to leave the 3.5y/o to work things out alone-ish? Not abandon, but distance in order to pay the 2y/o the attention they need. Even sitting in the hall with the other child while the upset one calms down sometimes helps with us… Or being in the tantrum’s presence, but in a different part of the room. I’ll read a book or talk quietly with the well-behaving one. I don’t give my tantruming kid an audience, but I let him/her know that I’m ready to receive him/her when it’s over. I hope that helps!
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So happy to have discovered your blog through pinterest! Love this post. A wonderful, humbling, reminder to be with my children and outlast their anger and fear and sadness. I needed to read this tonight. Thank you!