Let us discuss devotion and why it is important. Unless you have a measure of devoted feeling towards your relationships, your schooling, and your career, how can excellence be your moniker? Excellence in all areas happens because of your devotion, for the greater your devotion, the more attention and focus you are willing to give. Think of it: a devoted parent raises children who know they are loved and cared for when the parent's full attention is trained on the child. A devoted student earns high marks and the ultimate goal of graduation and a degree. A devoted partner stays for all of the ups and downs, all the problems that invariably come from having a relationship with another imperfect human. With this attitude and commitment, they will have a secure relationship that lasts. Yet, with all these benefits, there are few truly devoted people. Why is this? We think of the word "devotion" as describing a spiritual act. The devoted worshiper is, in fact, called a "devotee." One who devotes time and effort to their spiritual life is rewarded with divine intervention and blessings. Then why are there so few devotees?
Because it asks us to give something extra of ourselves. At work, a devoted employee goes the extra mile, meaning that they go above and beyond their job description. A devoted student studies harder and is more serious than classmates to earn the top grades. A devoted partner isn't only concerned about their own views and feelings but sees their partner's needs as equal to their own and at times gives them priority. A devoted parent puts the child's needs ahead of their own and really listens, anticipating needs. In all these cases, the devotee is required to put themselves in second place. Being a devoted person takes effort and focus that the average or mediocre person does not want to give.
I want you to take a fearless moral inventory. Ask yourself, in what areas of your life are you devoted? Are you a devoted parent, partner, student, professional, or spiritual seeker? Are you giving it your all? If not, why not? Why would you be mediocre in any area when you can excel and perform with excellence? Really, this is not a rhetorical question: why aren't you performing at maximum ability in all areas of your life? I dare say we all would wish to be the best, for devoted people are admired people. They are looked up to, they are proud of themselves, and as a result, their self-confidence is high. Who wouldn't want to walk every day with your head held high? We all wish to perform at our maximum, yet we fall short. Why?
Rejection. Abandonment. Hurt. Discouragement. These pins can take the air out of our tires faster than anything. They are more like bullet holes than needles, because they blow holes in our commitment that derail and sideline us. Like blowing a tire when you are whistling down the road, we grind to a halt and limp to the side of the road when we have been hit. We get out of the car that sits like a sunken ship in the hot sun and start walking. After a while, a stranger stops and offers us a ride back home. We take it because nobody cared to stop. We get in the car of a complete stranger and hope for the best. In this scenario, the stranger is an idea or thought that occupies our mind and seems to rescue us but which may not turn out to be friendly. You see, when you are discouraged or hurt, when you are angry or betrayed, jealous or afraid, a thought can pick you up and take you for a ride because you are at its mercy. You are in need of help when this thought comes along and says, "Why not give up on your relationship? Why not give up on your horrible child? Why not give up on your studies? Why not give up on your job and find another one?" For so many problems in life, your thoughts will appear as a savior, urging you to abandon what you devoted yourself to. And in that moment, fatigued and sad, angry and dejected, the suggestion will appear perfectly sane. In fact, it will seem like the only answer. Yet, just days before, you promised yourself that you would hold on. You see, circumstances can get so miserable that you accept a ride from any old stranger.
I am not suggesting that you stay in an abusive situation. If you are being abused, staying will neither help you nor your abuser. The longer you stay, the less your abuser respects you, and the worse it will get. But I am advising you to stay as devoted as you can to your goals and not let passing thoughts carry you away. If you have a goal and it means something to you, there are instances when you will have to abandon your car and walk. You may be cursing the entire way, but better this than getting into the wrong car. To have your dreams, you will have to persevere. As I did, you must ignore pain, discomfort, and discouragement. You will have to become your own cheering section, because nobody will be there to urge you on. You must summon the inner fortitude deep within to keep walking the lonely road until the sun comes up again. I am saying, walk in the darkness if you must rather than let strange thoughts entice you to give up on your dreams. If you have a dream, it is everything. Dreams define us. They make life worth living, for they show us what we are capable of. Above all, be devoted to your dreams. When something tries to knock it out of your hands, pick it up! Hold it tightly this time. Tell that passing thought, I don't need your help; I am tough enough to meet this challenge. I have been through tough times before, and I will rise again. I will not give my dreams away so easily. This is my own goal, and nothing but death will shake it loose from my hands and heart. Then you go on walking. On the road you will find another willing to walk with you. If you give it your all, the universe will lift you out of despair.
I spent the last half of my life confined to a bed and painting in a medical corset from a wheelchair. A special scaffolding was constructed so I could paint from my bed above my head as Michelangelo painted his chapel. I experienced the most devastating blows that life can give: betrayal, abandonment, rejection, and criticism. I felt angry, discouraged, jealous, and many times, hopeless. I turned to drugs and alcohol for solace. But all they did was blunt my pain; they couldn't solve it. My one grace was my art, for it was my dream to be the most celebrated Mexican female painter. The little crippled girl who wouldn't amount to anything could at least show the world her brave heart, and that I did. I showed the world my two selves: the public persona, cool with the lips pursed, dressed as a traditional Mexican. And the personal persona, whose heart was battered and weeping. My two selves shared one glorious heart. During my lifetime, I accepted rides with many men who tried to derail me. In the end, I held onto my dream with both hands, and today you know me as Frida Kahlo, the overcomer and the Mexican painter.
Hold on, hold on, hold on, my friends.
With Love,
Frida