Relentless Determination

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A handicapped calf shows the value of making each moment lived count.

By Georgia Smith-Lyle, LPC-S

Nature teaches us many truths we can live by if we are willing to observe, listen and implement. I’m a city girl who recently moved to the country almost two years ago. I’m learning truths about human nature through the nature of the animals on my ranch.

City life is wonderful and we learn much growing up in a city. However, the peace of the country through the animals and the beauty of open range have many advantages. The focus topic of this article is “relentless determination,” which I have come to experience in a whole new way through the life of one calf I named “Rocky.”

When Rocky was born, he could not stand up within the first hour so we knew there was a problem. Because he could not stand, he was unable to nurse immediately from his mother. We knew we had to bottle feed him in order to save his life. The adventure with Rocky began. We discovered all of his legs work properly except for the left hind leg, which does not bend properly in order to help him get off the ground without help. He also needs help walking because this leg does not move and bend as well as the others and he will fall after trying to take a few steps. We implemented stretching and strengthening every day, two times a day, and we have seen such progress.

But the most awesome characteristic that has helped Rocky the most is his innocent relentless determination! He doesn’t even know he has this kind of determination. He doesn’t have to muster it up. All he knows is he is alive and there is a whole open pasture he was created to explore, eat from and live on.

There is a determination to get up and run that has caused me to continue to help him in hopes his back leg improves. He has improved so much he wants to run instead of walk, which causes him to take a quick nosedive. I keep telling him he needs to learn to walk before he can run but of course he’s not listening too well. All he knows is he has this moment of life, the ability with help to stand and walk and a relentless unceasing determination to get up. He does not focus on what he doesn’t have, but only what he has. He does not know defeat. He was born to try because he was born with “life” inside of him and he is determined to make the most of every moment of every day he is alive. As innocent and unknowing this determination is, it is real and it keeps him living in the moment without giving up.

This is a true story and one that has reminded me of the sacred gift of life and the value of making each moment lived count. If you have been met with defeat, trauma, tragedy or combat constant pain to whatever degree, find the help you need to help you be stronger. Inside of each of us there is “life” if we are breathing. With the gift of life there is a relentless determination to move forward and take advantage of every breathing moment. Focusing on what you are not, or what you can not do will only keep you defeated. Plan to succeed with the gift of relentless determination. Find those people who will help you with this adventure called life. Every moment counts!

Georgia Smith-Lyle, LPC-S is in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, marriage and family. She has authored two books and is a public speaker. Georgia may be reached at 469-855-0256 or via email gpsmith7@aol.com. counselingbygeorgia.com