The expression, “He (she, I) won’t go down without a fight”, refers to someone who refuses to quit under duress. The term can be applied in many ways to fight: by physical defense or assault, by using one’s wits, by the intellect (sound reasoning), through the legal system, by political posturing and use of power or by sheer willpower.

Most often we tend to admire the one who fights for what he believes to be right and true, and even on occasion we may respect someone’s tenacity even if we disagree with him. Do you ever think about yourself in this way? Have you had reason to stand your ground and fight lately? Ever? Regardless of the outcome, how did this stand make you feel: good about yourself or poorly? If you won, did you gloat or humbly move on? If you lost did you crawl under a rug or stand tall again?

At some point, and often at many junctures in life, we will have to choose to fight, run away or surrender. If the issue is just and you are called on to take a stand and fight for what is right, I hope you fight. That statement reminds me of Lee Ann Womack’s lyrics where she sings, “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance”. I have reacted to fights in all three ways. Of course, I prefer to recall the fight the just cause and win scenarios best. However, I have learned from my failures…maybe even more so then the victories.

These Black-eyed Susans are fighting to bloom until the first frost stifles them. Sure, some have surrendered to the fading sun and cooler temps, but several are still hanging on. They want to share their essence for as long as they possibly can. That is how I want to live the rest of my life. You, too?