Eddie Pinero

A literal representation of personal output, pain, and perseverance.

Our lives, on the other hand, are a bit more complex.

More challenging and convoluted at times.

But I think those pillars of truth remain intact.

While you're amidst the darkness, you need to become your own light.

You need to remind yourself that this will end and will transform you for the better.

So I ask simply that you find your 712, your number, your marker, your symbol, your faith.

It won't do the lifting for you.

but it will remind you that you're capable of doing the lifting yourself.

It will remind you that you're strong enough, powerful enough, courageous enough.

It will remind you that the voices in your head will chatter and dissuade because that's what those voices do, but they do not speak truths.

They simply make noise.

They're that avatar of the loudest guy at the table with very little to add.

They are distraction.

Focus instead on the temporary nature of the battle you're fighting.

Which, whether you realize it or not, is synonymous with the opportunity at hand.

Second by second, push away everything but the now.

Find a way to dig deeper, to fight harder, become stronger.

There's a savage in you waiting to be unleashed, waiting for permission.

Nothing in life is permanent, neither the climbs nor the mountaintops.