I saw this on my visit to Padova…gloves clinging to the lamp post.  It made me smile.. it reminded me of myself… holding on…

This fun piece of public art can be symbolic of our relationship with attitudes, beliefs, plans  and dreams.

There is something to be said for holding on and keeping going despite the odds, setbacks and discouragement.  Indeed there are so many inspirational quotes, like the ones below from postage stamps to oak trees,  that assure us persistence is always rewarded:

  • Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there (Josh Billings)
  • Continuous, unflagging effort, persistence and determination will win. Let not the man be discouraged who has these (James Whitcomb Riley) 
  • When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” (Author Unknown)
  • The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground (Author Unknown)

But like anything, an overused strength becomes too much.  The strength of persistence weakens into obstinence.  We lose perspective. No longer can we see clearly what is happening for we are trapped in our way of being and doing.  It can creep up on us like a misty fog or overcome us like a stormy cloud, as it did with a leader recently. She had been talking about how persistence was one of her key qualities.  Suddenly however she came face to face with her stubbornness when challenged to present her vision to a wider audience.   Her fixation became constrictive, disenabling and disempowering.

Ah, how we see others so clearly 😉

So, if as has been suggested, the art of living is in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on…it is up to each of us to figure out how, when and why we do either.  Honest self-reflection and feedback can help us in that discovery.

 

 

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