Getting Back Up

Posted on August 21, 2012 by russtowne

A friend sent this saying and I thought I’d share it with you:

“There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of life, getting back up is living.” –Unknown (at least to me)

I like it.

But something doesn’t seem quite right about it to me. “Getting back up is living.” Hmmm. Sounds close, but to me getting back up feels closer to surviving–which is a good and fairly important thing all by iteslf!–rather than thriving.

Getting back up is a critical first step and keeps one in the game, but to me it is what one does after they are back up that often makes all the difference.

Russ

About russtowne

I'm awed by the beauty of nature and the power of love and gratitude. Some of my favorite sensory experiences include waves crashing on rocky shores, waterways in ancient redwood and fern-filled forests, and rain. My wife and I have been married since 1979. We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I manage a wealth management firm that I founded in 2003. My Beloved is a Special Education teacher for Kindergartners and First Graders. I'm a published author of approximately 60 books in a variety of genres for grownups and children.
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16 Responses to Getting Back Up

  1. joyfullyrenewed says:
    August 22, 2012 at 1:03 am

    I have heard this before, but you are so right! Never thought of it that way. Getting back up just means you survived the fall 🙂

    Reply
  2. camsgranny says:
    August 22, 2012 at 1:06 am

    “Getting back up is a critical first step and keeps one in the game, but to me it is what one does when they are back up that often makes all the difference.” You are oh so right in that statement. Thank you for this! I truly needed to hear it, to remind myself of certain things.
    Cheers,
    Camsgranny

    Reply
  4. aleafinspringtime says:
    August 22, 2012 at 8:52 am

    Food for thought indeed Russ. Getting up is just the start. What we do after that determines if we actually live at all. Thank you for reminding me that each day is a consecration to compassion, worthy acts and inner growth. I hope you are doing great and to another wonderful day! Shaz

    Reply
    • russtowne says:
      August 22, 2012 at 4:19 pm

      Thank you, Shaz. With people such as you in my life, wonderful days are the norm for me. And even on my rare UNwonderful days, when storms are raging, having friends like you help me to weather them better and to know the sun is coming soon.
      Russ

      Reply
  6. A Dog With Fleas says:
    August 23, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    This quote is so true, and your little addendum to it makes it even more true. It is what we do when we get up that makes all the difference.

    Thanks for checking out my blog or I wouldn’t have found your wonderful blog. Can’t wait to catch up on all your past posts. You are a wonderful writer and can’t wait to read more.

    Reply
  7. jolynproject says:
    August 24, 2012 at 1:41 pm

    Interesting critique. I would also point out that life is not about forgetting the bad and being happy, unless they meant being at peace with all emotions in life and allowing the moment to be what it will be. I don’t think I’ve ever critiqued an inspirational quote before, at least not to the point where I wrote anything on it. Thanks Russ for the inspiration to do something new.

    Reply
  8. JanBeek says:
    August 25, 2012 at 4:24 am

    Don’t just get up. Jump up. Spring up! Bounce right up and get going!! Yes, it takes more than a fall to keep me down or stop me in my tracks. But, before I run off at the mouth, be sure you have me facing in the right direction! Now then, where was it I was headed anyway?

    Reply

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