Wherever you are - be all there.
It's always too early to quit.
After a storm comes a calm.
Do not weep do not wax indignant. Understand.
If you think you can do it, you can.
Who seeks shall find.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.
Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.
Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.
Your political reputation affects how likely allies are to trust you, and what kind of deals they'll offer at the negotiating table. There's also some emotional response in there, so factions do bear grudges. Just like the real thing.