Day 167 - Evolve

"If you want a revolution, the only solution - evolve." As I listened to this song on my way to give blood today, especially considering that the song before had been "Still Standing" by Monica, it my mind moving. Admittedly, I've been having a bit of a rough patch in my life, and there have been moments when I thought it would be impossible to move forward. But as I listened to the Gatorade theme song, I was inspired.
"If you want a revolution, the only solution evolve (you gotta evolve).  If you want a revolution, the only solution evolve (you gotta evolve).  If your gettin' off track and you wanna get back, may take a lot of work or break your back.  If you want a revolution, the only solution evolve (you gotta evolve)."  Revolution (outside of its typical political connotations) is defined as "a sudden, complete or marked change in something."  If you want change to come about, you have to be willing to undergo evolution - "any process of formation or growth; development" - in order to get there.  You have to be willing to go through a process of change and growth (which typically will include some pain) so that lasting change can happen.  As the lyrics says, it will take work, especially if you lose focus, and it may feel like you're breaking in the process, but sometimes things have to be broken (or re-broken) so that they can fixed the right way.
"Well there once was a guy who couldn't jump high till he focused in now he touched the sky.  You gotta do more than try to get by - evolution is the key and that's no lie.  If you wanna be big and strong you see, you gotta e-v-o-l-v-e."  This verse is about a man who is pushing to achieve a goal, and he pushed and worked to be able to do what he wanted.  In order to reach your dreams and do what you want, you have to put in work.
"Make no mistake about it - you gotta evolve.  Blood, sweat, and tears around it and a lot of resolve. There's no way around it - gotta give it your all."  This is fairly self-explanatory.  Hard work is required to grow.  And as I've been in a place of much blood, sweat, and tears, I've gotta say that it doesn't always feel worth it in the moment, but when you take time to reflect on where you've come from, your progress can push you forward, even when it is hard as hell in the midst of the push.
"There once was a girl who demanded light.  She worked in the day and she trained all night.  She prayed for the light gettin' ready for the fight.  When the day turned to night, the girl shined so bright.  Had to do things other the girls wouldn't do, now every girl in the world played when she wanted to."  Part of the beauty of pushing and evolving is that we not only change things for ourselves, but we also tend to provide opportunities and inspiration for others to do the same.  While "the girl" was the one who pushed and did the hard work, she opened the door for others to be able to explore their gifts and evolve.  She created a revolution for others.
"No matter what they do, they can't break your stride.  Evolution is a thing that starts inside.  Throw your hands up, clench your fist with pride - hold your head high no need to hide.  E-V-O-L-V-E, come on get inside, come on ride with me."  And while not everyone will be in agreement with your evolution, especially if it causes changes in the social order or disrupts some power that they have, you have what's necessary inside, so you don't need permission to evolve.  You need only tap into what you already have.  Stand strong (using the strength that it's taken you to get this far in life), and push forward.  E-V-O-L-V-E!
Love yourself enough to grow and change.  Love the world enough to do, be, and give the best you have to those in need.