Sometimes I get discouraged with my artwork. I have several false starts in watercolor painting. Or I’m off to a good start and then things don’t work out the way I expected them too. My painting begins to look muddy and overworked. So I have to discard it.

At times, I lose courage and think about quitting.

After a particularly discouraging time, I aired my frustrations to a friend. She gave me a bookmark with the following poem printed on it. The words offered hope and a new perspective.

Since then I have shared the poem with several other friends who have needed some encouragement. Maybe you’re like me and are tempted to quit.

Don’t Quit

Don’t quit when the tide is lowest,
For it’s just about to turn;
Don’t quit over doubts and questions,
For there’s something you may learn.

Don’t quit when the night is darkest,
For it’s just a while ’til dawn;
Don’t quit when you’ve run the farthest,
For the race is almost won.

Don’t quit when the hill is steepest,
For your goal is almost nigh;
Don’t quit, for you’re not a failure
Until you fail to try.

Jill Wolf