So many of us look to find the “quick fix” to our problems and challenges in our lives. Truth is, we all need to have resolve – the desire to find the solution to these obstacles. We need to develop the mindset that things will get better.
Throughout history, we can find examples of situations where everything seemed bleak and hopeless but those involved didn’t give up and a positive result was accomplished. Our country’s Declaration of Independence is an example of this. Our founding fathers had many obstacles and challenges to overcome and, lucky for us, they had resolve and we are now an independent nation.
“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”
William Shakespeare
Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller’s teacher, is another example of someone with resolve. She was determined to be able to teach Helen to learn and communicate despite the obstacles of being deaf and blind. It was 1887 when she, a person with a visual impairment, was hired by Helen’s father to teach Helen. She was determined to teach her student spelling out vocabulary words in her hand until the connection between word and object was made. Sullivan and Keller’s relationship lasted for 49 years, transforming from teacher to friend along the way.
A person’s resolve becomes apparent sometimes when we are faced with the most challenging situation imaginable. This is true for a man who on 9/11/01 boarded United Airlines Flight 93. Todd Beamer was that man. After the plane was hijacked, he made a call using the plane’s phone so we are able to learn this man’s valiant efforts to thwart the hijacking of the plane. His final words were a call to action to his fellow passengers, “Let’s roll!” It is believed that the actions of the people on that plane prevented it from crashing into the White House.
“Common man’s patience will bring him more happiness than common man’s power.”
Amit Kalantri
How can we learn resolve?
- Be motivated about your goal – if you are not fully committed, re-evaluate your desires
- Don’t let obstacles get in your way – it is only by recognizing your limitations that you can persevere and overcome them.
- Keep on “keepin” on – don’t stop working toward your goal. Be patient with yourself.
We do not need to conquer the universe, we only need to conquer our own personal obstacles to our happiness. Be resolved to do what needs to be done for peace and happiness in our everyday lives.
Organizing, Growing, and Finding Peace Together 