Written by contributing blogger, Daniela Forte.

I was introduced to the Rocky movies for the first time about four years ago. It was introduced to me by a friend of mine who is no longer part of my life. It’s been about a year since the friendship ended.

Loss of any kind, through death or circumstance is never easy. I lost my friendship with this person for reasons I will never know, but I’ve learned a lot since then.

I started thinking recently what would Rocky Balboa do? Would he have let a setback bring him down, nope. He’d keep fighting, but not fighting the loss, but fighting to triumph over it.

I thought about the moments Rocky was training, when he ran up those steps in Philadelphia (in Converse sneakers no less) because he was determined to win. Win the fight of his life.

So, what can we learn from Rocky Balboa?!

Fight for yourself: No matter what life throws at you, no matter the circumstances you fight for you. Don’t allow the petty annoyances or people telling you who you are dictate who you become. You are also never the victim, but the victor in life’s circumstances.

Let Go of the Loss: Rocky lost many fights, he didn’t win them all, but he was not going to let the losses control who he was determined to become. Loss is inevitable, it happens and is part of life. We lose people, things all the time. What is important is how you handle that loss and what you allow it to teach you.

Support is Everything: Rocky had the support of Adrianne, unfailing support. Support from those people in your life, is key to overcoming things you didn’t think you could. It keeps you going, makes you stronger and that alone is a win. I am so grateful for the support from the people in my life.

Work through the Mental Shit: A lot about winning the fights in your life is about being right mentally. Rocky wasn’t just fighting a physical fight he was fighting the mental battle within himself. If he allowed the demons tell him he couldn’t achieve what he wanted, he may never have gotten back in the ring. Sometimes we need to fight through the mental shit to bring ourselves back into the ring of life.

Never Let Them See You Sweat: No matter what happens to you, never let people see you sweat. Getting back into the ring, Rocky showed others he was determined to rise. He wasn’t going to let his opponent think they got to him. Because they didn’t. When you are up against people that you view as an opponent, you never let them see you sweat. Because you aren’t. You are winning at life, no matter how you feel.

A Left Punch and a Right Punch: Rocky had to always be prepared for surprises while fighting, but often times there were punches he never saw coming. That’s how life is. You think you know what life will bring you, but you never really do.  On the day I lost my friendship with this person, I also nearly lost my grandmother.  She had fallen behind her home and my family and I spent several hours in the hospital that night.  So, it wasn’t only a sad day but a scary one as well.

Strength: Find it within you. Rocky found it each time he had to get back up from being knocked down. He had to find it every time he decided to get back into it. The wounds will heal and this is why it is important to find your strength in life.

Be Ready: For round 2, 3, 4 and 5 of your life. Every ending is a new beginning. You always get a chance to start over and that alone is glorious.

#radiatedaily

image source – pixabay