Let’s be real. Life isn’t always smooth sailing. Some days it feels like you’re stuck in a storm with no way out. That’s exactly why “See It Through” by Edgar Albert Guest hits so hard. It’s not just poetry. It’s a reminder to keep pushing forward no matter how rough things get. Maybe you’re dealing with a tough situation at work, struggling with a personal challenge, or just feeling like nothing is going your way.
Guest’s words feel like a steady hand on your shoulder, reassuring you that even the toughest moments won’t last forever. “I know it’s hard, but you’ve got this. Just keep going.” And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what we need to hear.
Facing Challenges Head-On
One of my favorite lines in the poem is:
"When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face."
Sounds simple, right? But in reality, when problems come knocking, our first instinct is usually to run. We avoid, we procrastinate, we tell ourselves, “Maybe if I ignore this long enough, it’ll go away.” (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.)
But Guest reminds us that the only way out is through. The faster we face our struggles, the sooner we can overcome them.
Think about a time you went through something difficult – a job loss, a tough breakup, a moment of complete uncertainty. At the time, it felt like the world was crashing down. But somehow, you made it through. Maybe you didn’t realize it then, but you were stronger than you thought. And you still are.
“See It Through” by Edgar Albert Guest: You’re Not Alone in This
Another part of the poem that really sticks with me is:
"Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met."
It’s so easy to feel like we’re the only ones struggling. Like everyone else has it all figured out while we’re stuck, barely holding things together. But the truth? Every single person you admire has faced setbacks.
- Stephen King had his first novel, Carrie, rejected 30 times before a publisher finally took a chance on it.
- Arianna Huffington had her second book rejected by 36 publishers before going on to create The Huffington Post.
- Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, but he didn’t let that stop him from becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
Imagine if they had given up. Imagine if they had thought, “Maybe I’m not good enough” and just walked away.
Whatever you’re facing right now, remember – others have been where you are, and they made it through. So can you.
What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up
I know, I know – saying “just keep going” is easy. Actually doing it? That’s the hard part. But here are a few things that might help when you’re feeling stuck:
- Change the question in your head. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” try, “What can I learn from this?” It won’t magically fix everything, but it shifts your mindset.
- Write down a time you overcame something difficult. Seriously, take a minute and think back – what’s a challenge you never thought you’d get through, but you did? Remind yourself that this moment is no different.
- Find your “anchor.” Whether it’s a quote, a song, or a poem like “See It Through” by Edgar Albert Guest, keep something close that reminds you why you’re still fighting. Sometimes, a little perspective is all we need.
See It Through – Because You Can
Life is messy. It’s unpredictable. It throws curveballs you never saw coming. But here’s the thing, you are stronger than this moment.
So when you feel like quitting, remember Guest’s words. Stand tall. Hold your ground. See it through.
And if you ever need a reminder, come back to this poem. It’s here for you, just like you’re here for yourself.
What’s a challenge you’ve had to push through? I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Let’s remind each other that we’re not in this alone.
