Strength For The Journey

One who swims upstream has a perspective that differs from the popular wisdom.  Haters hate and try to force the swimmer to conform.  But alas, the upstream swimmer cannot conform because it's just not in their nature.  It's painful to swim upstream, so what one needs to do is develop strength for the journey.  Emotional strength, physical strength, spiritual strength.  One must develop the strength because after awhile, inner resolve will weaken.  The journey will take more than willpower.  So strength for the journey must be cultivated, developed.  In time the swimmer learns what feeds, what poisons, what distracts.  The journey helps us appreciate the destination, so get buff and just keep swimming.