Don't give up on yourself or others.  This was the simple sentence that I heard stated via a written message earlier today.  I know that I have heard this message before, it may have been worded a little differently, however, the foundation of the statement remains the same.  Depending on what your life experience may have been, you could have had a beginning that was filled with people that perhaps did not provide you with the fullest support or preparation.  There are many stories about people that were raised by their grandparents, due to the parents that were either incapable or unable to live up to their responsibilities.  Then there are great examples of single parents who valiantly took on the role of both mother and father, whom probably worked more than one job in order to ensure that their child had a place to call home.  Those parents may have had a moment where they questioned how they were ever going to get through that period, yet, they somehow had enough determination to persevere.  I recently wrote about an adult who spoke candidly about their life in the foster care system and they were never adopted into a family.  That individual found others that did not give up on her or the dreams that she had for herself.  Tenacity can be tested during many difficult instances, however, what many of us have learned from the people that made great impressions on us was that they proceeded forward in the midst of great uncertainty. Life is not easy and the things that we have to overcome along with some of the despair that may be part of our lives at any given time, can be the basis for an award winning movie of the week.  Hope is a great attribute that lends itself to self fulfilling possibilities that things can get better, if you hold on long enough to withstand the chaos.  When others around you need a word of encouragement, make sure that you speak up so that they hear that you are in their corner.  Remember, on our journeys we never know when we are the one's who need to be strengthened or when we can be the lifeline that offers a bit of respite to those that need us.