It should come as no surprise that I have a “thing” for words. More than 20 years ago I began picking a “Word of the Year,” a word to live out for the coming year that would challenge me, better me and hopefully help me help others. I wrote a story about how at the end of my life I want people to look at me and see exactly how I lived. I’ve tattooed these words on my back and will continue to as a reminder for myself. I hope they are also an inspiration for others to work at being more in every moment because that is what we all deserve. Constant growth. This quote inspires me to Persistence and Resilience to my list of possible “Words of the Year” as they are words I’m already “earning.” With the life challenges I’ve faced I can already see my resilience but persistence is more of a radical choice. I think I’ve become resilient through time, experience and trials. Am I persistent though? Do I make the conscious choice to press on or to jump into a challenge with both feet? And the biggest question, if I’m not choosing to be persistent, why not?

I do know that life is a challenge, I am a worthy competitor and I am surrounded by all of you who battle alongside me daily.

Here’s to being not just resilient but to being persistent in all we do!

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.