P is for Persistence (or Perseverance?)

Reminds me of persistence. Photo by J.R. Oppenheim.

Persistence is certainly one of my biggest character traits. I’m pretty persuasive (ooh, also a P) and I don’t scare easily when I’m faced with obstacles (or at least, I have a good cry and move forward quickly). Persistence and perseverance are probably the main reasons I’ve experienced so many wonderful things in life. I set my mind on a goal and I work hard until it gets done. How else can you be a single-mom, full-time director of a non-profit and get your Master’s degree all at the same time (oh, right, I might be a little nuts as well, but N already had it’s chance).

I’d like to say that patience was also in there, but I’m afraid patience is a place where I fall short. I’m okay waiting as long as I have something to keep me busy but otherwise I’m horribly impatient. If I could change one thing about myself, I’d work on being more patient (and I do, all the time). My writing career is definitely going to teach me some lessons in the P department. I have no choice but to be patient, but I also have to work my tail off and follow-through. It’s actually a great combination for me.

Persistence, perseverance, patience…and passion. I’ll add passion to the mix. I’m passionate about so many things. My kids are the center of my universe and giving them a good life is something I am extremely passionate about. Making the world a better place is also high on my list of priorities. I’m passionate about violence prevention, literacy and promoting mental health. I hope I can spend my life taking care of my family and changing the world, even if only in my small way.

Well, those are some of my P’s. What are yours? 

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