The Hell I Won't

I was recently given a cap for my birthday. It was just a simple hat with a patch on it that says, “The Hell I Won’t”. I laughed at first, but I’m sure most people would read it and think its negative, redneck, or tasteless, but I see it differently. I see it as an outward expression of me taking charge of my life. 

I have had a bad inner critic for most of my life. I never felt good enough, smart enough, talented enough, or even worthy of being truly successful in my life. That kept me on the safe road, making a good living, but falling far short of my true potential. It kept me afraid of being uncomfortable, terrified of failure, and unwilling to step out in faith of my own potential.

Last year I had the honor of attending a weekend experience that truly changed my life. It's called Next Level Experience. To be honest, I didn’t want to be there at all. I only went to support my amazing wife. I ended up transforming myself over those two and a half days. I see myself in a whole new way. My eyes are opened to the opportunity that is out there for everyone. I no longer put limits on what I think I can accomplish. I became the best version of myself that I have ever been over that weekend. 

Later that week, I was faced with the hardest situation I can imagine. I lost my oldest son that same week. It is a pain that I wish upon no one else. Something that shouldn’t ever happen. I was forced into a situation of having to be strong for the rest of my family. I felt that everyone was relying on me to get through this tragedy. I still feel that way honestly. Everyday I think of how, what, and why of what happened. Everyday I get the feeling that I should not be moving forward, that I should go back to being mediocre, or even not even that, just exist in the world. 

That’s where the hat comes in. The statement, “The Hell I Won’t”, is a great description of what I have been telling myself every day since that happened. I have told myself that I will not fall into the trap of misery, become unproductive, pull away from friends and family, and not pull away from God. I never used those words from the hat, but it’s a great catchphrase for it. I use those words as a reminder to keep my thoughts and actions going in the right direction.  

This life is full of highs and lows. I have had my share of both, and my lows seem really low, but that means my highs should be really high as well. That’s what keeps me going. That is what is driving me to move forward and upward. I fully expect to achieve my dreams and make them a reality. 

My hope for you is that you will come up your own catchphrase to help hold yourself accountable to the positive changes you are striving for in your own life. I promise it will give new life to your drive to succeed. Now go find your own hat…

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

If you are wanting more information on the Next Level Experience event, check out the website here: https://themichaelmcintyre.com/next-level-experience/

They are held several times throughout the year and in different areas of the country.