CMC – Episode 6: That Wascally Wabbit

This is the sixth episode of my CMC: Calligraphy Meets Chopped Challenge and it is a doozie! My niece Nikki filled her bag with all sorts of unusual items, most of which had nothing to do with lettering. Once I opened her bag I felt like Elmer Fudd being thwarted by that wascally wabbit! It was indeed a challenge, it was fun, and it did make my creative juices kick into high gear.

One serendipity of having friends and family fill a bag for this challenge, I have learned a great deal about them. With Nikki, I learned that Winston Churchill is one of her favorite historical figures, so much so that she named her dog Winston. We then had a great conversation about his life, his role as Prime Minister, and even his most memorable quotes. I don’t think I would have known that about her unless she had to pick a quote to put into her bag.

Success in not Final, Failure is not fatal: It is the Courage to continue that counts

-Sir Winston Churchill 1965

As I read this quote again, and you can see this in the video, the words success and failure stood out to me. Then I read it once more. Those words are important, yet not the point. COURAGE is the true focus of the message. The courage to continue is what counts. Not giving up, not letting the set backs and let downs drive us to quit. This from a man who suffered greatly with depression and bouts of intense self doubt. I greatly admire that especially knowing his actions and decisions are the reason why England stood up in WWII and fought to remain free. How the world would have been different if he had succumb to the darkness.

At one time or another we all get discouraged. The darkness begins to creep in and make us think we can’t, or won’t, or shouldn’t, or even worse makes us think we are unworthy. Before we know it the struggle between success and failure begins and we are caught in the middle. Afraid, unprepared, discouraged and maybe even a bit depressed. It is at these moments we simply need to do one thing, turn on a light. That action dispels the darkness and shines hope into our souls, just enough hope to give us the courage to get up, get moving and continue.

Thank you Nikki for being silly, devious, and a fan of Winston Churchill. Your clever and wascally ideas made this episode a bag full of fun. You pushed me and ignited my courage to continue!