How Much Dog Do You Have in the Fight?

Photographer: Tamarah Ellen   |  Little baby "Rambo"

 We often measure our capabilities for all the wrong things. We attribute our possibilities to how smart we are, where we were educated, our background, genealogy, who did what, and where we were born.  Some of the most amazing success stories of people and animals came from barely anything.

Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up in a home without running water or electricity.  According to Business Insider, he experienced hunger riots in post-World War II Austria. Dolly Parton grew up in a poor family in rural Appalachia. She was the fourth child of twelve children. Sarah Jessica Parker’s family couldn’t afford electricity or birthday presents.  The list goes on once you begin to research.

"What counts is not necessarily the size
of the dog in the fight -
it’s the size of the fight in the dog."
~Mark Twain~

 No person, place, or situation can keep you from your destiny. Once the dream is in your heart, you continue to move forward, trust in God’s timing, and make the commitment to never quit.  The only problem is that most people don’t last the journey. Today, people want instant gratification, get-rich schemes, and they want it without any struggles, obstacles, or hard work. I have read many times that most people quit right before their big breakthrough. So if you are reading this and waiting for your miracle, it will come at the right time, and only when you continue to move forward with faith. Faith is all about believing without evidence.  While things are at their worst is usually when we have our biggest breakthroughs and miracles.  You must have the big fight in you, no matter what your background.

Photographer: Tamarah Ellen   |  Rambo and Turk

How much fight are you willing to give?  For me, quitting has never been an option, so I spent years alone learning to get to know myself, discover my talents, and allow God to do his work in me.  Through this waiting and learning period, I found my hidden talents and gifts and began taking one day at a time.  There has not been anything easy about my journey.  I went from having it all to losing everything, then started a new journey of self-discovery, self-love, and learning that patience is a virtue.

Photographer: Tamarah Ellen   |  Little baby "Rambo"

Amidst all my heartaches, struggles, loss, and loneliness, I have never lost hope. My hope gets me up each day, and it still does. There have been many people along the way who tried to discourage me, tempt me to give up, tell me I couldn’t achieve something, and yet I have done and continue to do all that I set my mind to. The way I did and still do this was through reading many books, rewiring my brain and listening to sermons over and over again. I shut out the noise of the Debbie doubters in the world, and stay focused on my dream. It has been painful and lonely at times, even sad, but most of the time I have remained very happy. I found that I loved the woman I was becoming and everything I do, so quitting is not an option.  I learned that not fitting in was a blessing, not a curse.   

"The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that." 

~Arnold Schwarzenegger~

Photographer: Tamarah Ellen   |  Big baby "Rambo"

I may look meek and mild on the outside, but  I also have a big fight inside of me to match the big dogs in the world.  I continue to face the giants, and I don’t let them get me down.  How much fight are you willing to give?  If you plan on staying the course, be prepared to let the big dog inside you fight your battles. The fight isn’t physical; it’s the virtue inside of you.  It’s your moral right to see your dreams come to fruition.  It is my right to see mine, and I enjoy my accomplishments, whether big or small. When I fall down, I always let the big dog get me back up.  I have the stamina of a determined dog and the courage of a lion.

 "Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."  ~Arnold Schwarzenegger~

How are you appearing on the outside? Are you allowing people to judge you or are you following your heart? Become everything you are supposed to be, by not allowing others to determine your destiny. Fight like a dog every day and fight like there is no tomorrow. You will lose people, but better people who are for you will appear at the right time. It's great to be different. Unique and humble are two attractive qualities.

Photographer: Tamarah Ellen  |   Big baby "Rambo"

Remember not to measure your abilities by who or where you come from. Your dog inside may be small, but it’s the size of your fight that matters. Keep a humble heart and you will forever grow. Learning is a valuable thing and comes to those who are not arrogant. Never come to a place where you are not willing to learn. The strongest people have faced great humility on their journey.

Photographer: Tamarah Ellen  |  Little baby "Rambo"

 To your own success, rock it!

Tamarah Ellen

Self-Portrait  |  Tamarah and little baby "Rambo"