Antibodies.
The Penultimatum
Oftentimes, right before things get better, they feel the worst. This is something I’ve learned in life. And it’s not about measuring suffering, but understanding that on the other side of what’s hard to continue is something better than you’ve known. I call this hard feeling the penultimatium. Derived from the word, penultimate, this feeling of hardship, or desire to give up often precedes achievement.
It’s like when you’re running, and you hit a wall. You keep pushing past the wall, sometimes it takes a lot of your conscious thought to keep you going. But on the other side of that, there is brevity. Lightness. The cadence of your steps becomes the rhythm of your person, and there you are - going. Despite how hard it was moments ago, now it feels effortless.
I believe this to apply to many areas of life. That sometimes, things are hard, and get really hard right before they get easier. Those habits you want to build. The person you want to become, the things you want to achieve. The love you want to have. It’s all right there for you, all of the time, if only you’re brave enough to continue.
Akrasia
Akrasia by definition is a lack of willpower or the tendency to act against one’s own better judgment. I think we all have fallen victim to this at one point or another in our lives. Everyone brings it up surrounding love, saying that they knew better or should have known. Should have paid attention to the signs. It’s opposite is Enkrateia. Enkrateia is the state of power over oneself. A state of self mastery where one holds power over their own passions and instincts. And this is what I want to give to you. Power over yourself and the situations you find yourself in. The willpower to pursue your dreams and the passion to continue. The insight to see through illusions and the foresight to show others a better future.
Thanks for reading. Remember, anything is possible.
As always,
Stay warm.
dc
