Don't Ever Ring The Bell

US Navy 070131-N-5169H-322 Basic Underwater Demolition-SEAL (BUD-S) students perform Log PT during hell week at the Naval Special Warfare Center


At the start to the summer, I posted an excerpt from Admiral William McRaven's commencement address to the University of Texas that he delivered on May 17, 2014.  His over-the-top inspiring speech was based on 10 lessons that he had learned, years earlier, during his six months of basic training to become a  Navy Seal.


His point # 1 that I shared was:  "If You Want To Change The World, Start Off By Making Your Bed." I thought that was an appropriate subject for the start of the summer as families tended to spend more time at home during the summer break.    


I am now convicted that his final point # 10 is an appropriate way to the end summer, transitioning into the season of more work ahead, for both students and adults. 

 His final point, # 10

DON'T EVER RING THE BELL!

This is what he said: 

"Finally, in SEAL training there is a bell.  A brass bell that hangs in the center of the compound for all the students to see.

All you have to do to quit — is ring the bell.  Ring the bell and you no longer have to wake up at 5 o’clock.  Ring the bell and you no longer have to do the freezing cold swims.

Ring the bell and you no longer have to do the runs, the obstacle course, the PT — and you no longer have to endure the hardships of training.

Just ring the bell.

If you want to change the world don’t ever, ever ring the bell."


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During Hell Week that brass bell is displayed prominently before the SEAL trainees, and they are constantly bombarded (over the 5 1/2 days where they are only permitted about 4 hours of sleep), by instructors with megaphones, to give up, to quit, to call it a day.  All anyone has to do to quit is RING THE BELL.


If there are struggles in your life ahead, know that you are stronger than you can imagine.  You may want to RING THE BELL, but don't.  Instead of chanting, "I can't", tell yourself "I can!"


IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD, 

DON'T EVER RING THE BELL.


What is your battle today?  Just don't quit!

© margaret young