There is great meaning to be found by conducting yourself in a manner of which you would be proud.
Even in the darkest of times.
When life strips you of your health, your physical capacity, your mental faculties. You can still attempt to conduct yourself in a way that you would be proud of, given the circumstances.
This isn’t about finding a stiff upper lip. Ignoring the present reality.
It’s about finding some kindling of meaning, a spark of hope.
For if you can still find a small glimmer of care for how you conduct yourself, it means all is not lost.
For you would not care if it was.
As I stared up at the sterile lights of my hospital bed. As another electrifying bolt of pain surged down into my chest. As tears welled up in my eyes. As a groan rasped from my lips.
I still found a degree of meaning and a grit of determined strength through a desire to conduct myself in a manner that I would be proud of.
If this was to be it, my family would still see a hint of stubbornness in my eye.
A sparkle of determination.
And I truly believe this is what got me through, when all seemed lost.