“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?’” — Marcus Aurelius
There are people who need you. When they’re frightened, they need to know that you’re calm. When they’re uncertain, they need to know that you’re confident. When they’re in pain, they need to know that you’ll take care of them.
They need to know these things, even though you may doubt your own ability to deliver. Of course, you’re a human being with fears, anxieties, and pains of your own. But if they’re bearable, then try to bear them until you’ve finished the tasks you’ve been given.
Your fortitude will spring from necessity. You’ll disregard the fear, because they need you to. You’ll ignore the pain and weariness, because you must. You’ll be strong, because it’s your job.