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Ask yourself Quote by Shellen Lubin

“I've written about persistence and perseverance and yet for those of us with patchwork lives (projects, earnings, caretaking, home-tending, playing, friending, loving, celebrating, hurting, grieving, healing, assessing, re-grouping) persistence and perseverance has to be allowed in patches, not…” quote by Shellen Lubin
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““I've written about persistence and perseverance and yet for those of us with patchwork lives (projects, earnings, caretaking, home-tending, playing, friending, loving, celebrating, hurting, grieving, healing, assessing, re-grouping) persistence and perseverance has to be allowed in patches, not what from the outside might be viewed as 'normal' (for whatever worth normal has, the top of that overused bell curve). So let me clarify. When I talk about persistence, it isn't about persistence of equal measure every day. It's about not giving up on whatever is important to you, and, especially, not giving up on yourself. Some chapters of your life may allow many facets of your being, others just cannot and the feeling of failure that can arouse is of no value. Sometimes all you can do is ask yourself: What must I do this week? today? next hour? to continue the process as healthily as possible? to accomplish the most? It may be deep immersion in one, or it may be an odd mix. And tomorrow may be different. And an unexpected gift may come and change everything. And a Mack truck may hit and change everything. Our answers to those questions may not look similar but what I hope is similar is the acceptance of what must be. Persist in your own patches. Make your own quilt.””

Shellen Lubin

About This Quote

Persistence is not a uniform daily effort but a flexible, self‑compassionate commitment to what matters, adapted to the varied, often fragmented realities of life.

In simple terms: Adapt perseverance to life's patches.

Key Takeaway

Persist on your own terms.

Themes

Resilience Self‑care Adaptability Life balance Growth mindset

Mood

Reflective Empowering

Type

Motivational Philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Managing multiple responsibilities
  • Facing unexpected setbacks
  • Navigating periods of low motivation

Key Concepts

Patchwork life Goal prioritization Self‑acceptance

Practical Applications

  • Create a personal roadmap with short‑term milestones
  • Use flexible scheduling to align effort with current capacity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which of your current 'patches' truly reflect your core values?
  • How can you measure progress without comparing to a perceived 'normal'?
A Different Perspective

If one constantly adjusts goals to fit circumstances, they may never push beyond comfort zones, limiting long‑term achievement.

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