Forced To Fight

Two kids fighting

My biggest dream as a 14 year old kid was to be a boxer. I pictured myself walking into the ring, getting hit in the face, hitting back and getting the W.

Crowds cheered my name as I put both hands in the air.

It was a vivid dream, one I held onto until my older cousin kicked my ass.

But I still dream of it today as a 26 year old man. MMA fighters, boxers, Nak Muays - they all represent to me what I saw in myself and what I desired to see in myself back then.

They showed courage by stepping into the ring, and tenacity by facing the obstacles ahead.

With blood in their eyes, they took a couple punches and then gave it right back.

Not to glorify the violence, but what I saw and felt from this is a metaphor for life.

Honestly it’s whats gotten me this far. It’s why you’re here, too.

Life can be war, can’t it? Everyday we must take on life’s challenges, taking a loss here and a win there. Some days you get caught in an armbar and are forced to tap. Some days you take an elbow to the face. And other days, you give it right back. You got no choice but to keep fighting.

You may have not chosen your high level opponents - whose names are Financial Struggle (3 wins, 0 losses), Health Crisis (4 wins, 1 loss), Breakups (2 wins, 0 losses) - but the great part is that your battles aren’t easy.

There isn’t one easy fight in your life and thank goodness because that’s gonna make you a better fighter.

So, fuck it. If you gotta go face to face with an undefeated heavyweight with all wins coming by knockout, put them dukes up.