Bay Shore NY
7-11-2023 5:14pm

Perseverance

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance is persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. My parents used to say, "Never give up that ship!" This infamous quote is by the late James Lawrence who was an officer of the United States Navy. During the War of 1812, he commanded the USS Chesapeake in a single-ship action against HMS Shannon, commanded by Philip Broke. He is probably best known today for his last words, "Don't give up the ship!", uttered during the capture of the Chesapeake. The quotation is still a popular naval battle cry. My Dad was a U.S. Marine. Semper Fi. Always faithful. Persevere.

I chose to write about perseverance because I think it's a quality that we must have if we are going to achieve our goals. Nothing happens overnight, and at 60 and beyond, it may take longer than it used to achieve some things. But we have learned how to push through.

I remember when I was embarking on a voiceover career and was told by a casting director, "It will take about 10 years to thrive in this business." I thought, gee, that's a long time. But then as I persevered through the process of learning the business, I also practiced living in the moment. I took yoga classes and did meditation. I read about mindfulness and attended church. These modalities change your brain. I learned to focus on the moment and persevere.

Time really isn't relevant. It's just a marker that we use as a timeline for things. But as we age, it seems as though time speeds up, and we may find ourselves anxious to get things done. It's usually at the point where success is just around the corner that a lot of people give up. Don't. Persevere. You made it this far. Keep going.

Perseverance refers to our ability to pursue a goal or passion, over time, and stick with it if we encounter obstacles or setbacks. We take great pleasure in completing tasks at any age, especially as we get older when things seem to get harder. It is closely related to a range of other concepts including resilience, motivation, drive, determination, grit, passion, and conscientiousness. These things can wane as we age, but we must persevere. 

Various studies have shown that perseverance is an essential quality for success in life. It often tops aptitude and raw talent and is a more accurate predictor of achievement. Our ability to stick with our tasks, goals, and passions is vital. Persevering entails effort and practice. It also involves our ability to learn from failure and try again when thrown off course. That is something that aging can show us and can be our greatest reward.

People who refuse to give up on achieving specific goals and approach challenges with a positive outlook are at lower risk of clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Perseverance is good for your health. So, the next time you want to throw in the towel, don't. Break through the barriers that may be in front of you and go take a cold shower. You'll come out ready to go to fresh. Another quip my Dad used to say. 

Perseveranza! 

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and beyond, we may not have the lofty goals we once had, but there are still plenty of things to get done, and perseverance is something we need to help us press on.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - OCEAN PARKWAY COASTAL GREENWAY 

One of the most spectacular bike paths in the New York Metro Region is the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway (or Jones Beach Bike Path) on Long Island which traverses almost the entire length of Jones Beach Island. A major segment of this path was opened this year, and it’s now a continuous 20-mile path between Cedar Creek County Park in Wantagh and Captree State Park in Babylon. This bike path has it all: waterfront views, convenient restrooms and parking areas, beach access, restaurants and the chance to spot wildlife. But it can also be a challenging ride because of wind, bugs and the remoteness of certain areas. You'll need to be prepared to persevere.

For more information, visit Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway | New York Trails | TrailLink

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

- Author Unknown

    SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

    What gets in your way that makes you want to stop pursuing a goal?

    Please write your answer in the comment section below. I'd love to hear from you.

    SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - THREE LITTLE BIRDS by BOB MARLEY

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    LYRICS

    Don't worry, about a thing
    'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right
    Singin', don't worry, about a thing
    'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right
    Rise up this mornin'
    Smile with the risin' sun
    Three little birds
    Pitched by my doorstep
    Singin' sweet songs
    Of melodies pure and true
    Sayin', "This is my message to you, whoo-hoo"
    Singin', don't worry, about a thing
    'Cause every little thing, is gonna be all right
    Singin', don't worry, don't worry 'bout a thing
    'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right
    Rise up this mornin'
    Smile with the risin' sun
    Three little birds
    Pitched by my doorstep
    Singin' sweet songs
    Of melodies pure and true
    Sayin', "This is my message to you, whoo-hoo"
    Singin', don't worry, about a thing
    Worry about a thing, no
    Every little thing, gonna be all right
    Don't worry
    Singin', don't worry, about a thing
    I won't worry!
    'Cause every little thing, gonna be alright
    Hmm, don't worry, about a thing
    'Cause a every little thing, gonna be all right
    I won't worry
    Baby don't worry, about a thing
    'Cause every little thing, is gonna be all right
    Say, don't worry about a thing, no girl
    'Cause every little thing gonna be all right

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    ABOUT SKYLARK LIVE AND HOW TO FOLLOW ME

    My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter, "Skylark Live Town News", a monthly vlog, "60 and Beyond with Skylark", and monthly in-person chats called "The Skylark Sessions". They are all designed to inspire and motivate women to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

    Skylark Live Town News - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. And, I throw in Italian words because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click the link below to subscribe.

    For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

    The Skylark Sessions: The Skylark Sessions are on the last Sunday of each month. These are in-person chats in a round-table format and are open to mature women of any age. There is a new topic for each session. I moderate, but this is an open conversation. I will post the date, time, topic, and location on my social media sites as well as on my Patreon account. There is a $5 cash donation per session. You can RSVP at christineskylark@aol.com.

    60 and Beyond with Skylark Vlog - This is my first Monday-of-the month vlog that is inspirational and motivational and is a reflection of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the month and what we've talked about in my Skylark Sessions. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Click the link below to subscribe.

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    Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newslettters, create my vlogs, and coordinate my Skylark Sessions. Just click the link below.

    Skylark Live | 60 and Beyond with Skylark | Patreon

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    Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day.

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