How To Keep Going...No Matter What

The hitchhiker stands by the side of the road, a duffel bag resting at his feet and a backpack slung over one shoulder. He extends his arm, thumb pointing toward his destination, his hopeful request for a lift. With every passing car, van, and lorry, he puts on his best winning smile, only to watch it fade as each vehicle speeds past without stopping. His shoulders slump, and he lets out a sigh, waiting for the next one to come along, a little less hopeful each time.

Eventually, he realizes he’s going nowhere fast. He picks up his duffel bag, resigned but determined. The distance to his destination seems daunting, but standing still feels even worse. He knows he’ll grow weary from walking, but the thought of wasting time gnaws at him.

“Right,” he thinks, shaking off the uncertainty. “Let’s move on.” With renewed determination, he sets off down the road, humming and whistling now and then. After all, it’s a decent day, and despite everything, life isn’t too shabby.

As he walks, he hears the approach of a vehicle. He turns, flashes that winning smile again, and extends his thumb, but once more, he’s left walking. “No matter,” he reassures himself. “I’ll get there. Someone will stop.”

A while later, a truck comes up from behind, slowing down to eye the hopeful hitchhiker. They size each other up, making quick decisions. But then, the driver accelerates without stopping, and the hitchhiker feels a wave of relief wash over him. “Better luck next time,” he mutters, trudging along, holding on to the hope that a ride will come soon.

But then, the clouds move in. The wind picks up, and the rains come pouring down. The hitchhiker is not deterred; after all, what’s a little water? Or even a lot? He brushes off the feeling of dejection and discouragement swirling around him, like mischievous little boys who rush forward to poke him and then dart away, laughing. Instead, he focuses on his vision of reaching that destination, putting one soggy foot in front of the other and keeping on.

Each step is a testament to his resilience, a reminder that the journey may be long and filled with obstacles, but that doesn’t mean he won’t eventually arrive. Just like him, we all face those moments when the world seems against us, when every attempt feels futile. It’s easy to let negativity seep in, to let our dreams fade like that smile of his.

But the hitchhiker knows something important: perseverance can lead to unexpected rewards. He understands that sometimes the road is rough, but the destination is worth the struggle. As he continues to walk, he reminds himself that every setback is just a step in the journey, not the end of it.

So, next time you find yourself feeling like the hitchhiker, remember to keep moving forward. Hold on to that vision of what you want to achieve, and let the rain wash away the doubt. Life is about the journey, and every step counts.