Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong. --Ella Fitzgerald
Taking on a new endeavour of any kind challenges us. I knew when I decided to throw my hat in the ring and run for municipal council that it wouldn't be a walk in the park. Actually taking the step to do it has brought up so much.
Who knew that running in an election would be so time-consuming -- before the nominations even open? And of course, whenever one steps forward advocating change, they become a screen for people's projections. Everyone expects you to know everything about their important issue. Some days, I've wanted to stop the train and get off.
I imagine there are days you feel that way, too. On those days, I feel it's just not worth it, and I think, "I want my life back." Then I sit back and reflect on what made me want to move in this direction in the first place.
I think about my ancestors, the folks who packed up all their worldly goods and crossed the ocean 130-odd years ago to come to the "new world." They came with hope in their hearts and a vision about a life for themselves and their families. A better life.
My great-great-grandparents, Jonathon and Elizabeth Bramley settled with their children in Extension, BC. Coal-miners, the men worked hard at their vocation and found the time to clear the land and farm. Growing most of their own food (as many families did back then) they persevered through the trials and tribulations life sent their way. Ironically, when coal was discovered right on their property, things began to go poorly. The government had given the mineral rights to a man now known in our parts as a "robber baron," in exchange for his building a railroad up the island. It's a long story, but suffice to say, it didn't go too well for the little guys.
Seems it seldom does. So, on the days when I feel like stopping, I lean on perseverance and remain steadfast and focussed.
Because truth be told, it rarely goes well for the little guys and 2011 is certainly no exception. As Desmond Tutu reminds us, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chose the side of the oppressor."
I think about my children and their futures. I think about how hard it is for them to find livable-wage jobs and afford housing here, on this island their ancestors worked so hard to settle. This is injustice. Not on the scale of the injustice endured by the children in the third world, but injustice just the same. Our province, British Columbia has the highest rate of child poverty in Canada. And the Cowichan valley where I live on Vancouver Island, has the highest rate in the whole province.
And I think about the First People and their children, and how hard it is for them to have a healthy, affordable life here -- where their families have lived for millennia.
Those thoughts lead me back to the desire to live a life of purpose, to stand for justice. That's what animates me. If you're reading this blog, I suspect that's (at least in part) what animates you, too.
So those of us who want to see a change in the world, speak up for justice. We march for equity. We petition for environmental sustainability. We ___________ (you can fill in the blank, the list is endless). And we vote for those we feel are the best people for the job, at all levels of government.
The outcome isn't up to us individually. But it is up to all of us, collectively. All of us need to be working together to make our visions real. Maybe we're going to have to step out of our comfort zone and get more involved to help that vision become real. When the inevitable struggles show up when we speak for change, what's up to us is to stay the course, regardless of the obstacles, both inner and outer, that arise along the way.
As the Perseverance card says, "Once we discern our true direction, we stay the course for however long it takes."
Once I make the decision to stay the course, I realize that I am on a long job interview. And my part is to be as available and as transparent as possible to my prospective employers -- the residents of my community. And to persevere.
The outcome is not solely in my hands. Getting that has made all the difference. I am walking more lightly now, and taking time just to be -- with friends, with family -- to play, rest and be alone with myself.
Whatever the outcome, when we take on a task we believe in -- perseverance helps us to do what it takes to stay the course.
May you have the fortitude to persevere on your path, no matter what obstacles arise.
May we continue to change the world, one heart at a time.
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Perseverance
I have a strong sense of purpose.
I have the will to overcome obstacles.
I remain committed to what I want to do.
I am determined to finish what I start.
I am trustworthy in my relationships.
I do what it takes to stay the course.
I am thankful for the gift of Perseverance. It keeps me going.
Reflection Questions
What is my purpose?
What does creativity inspire me to do?
What is the true direction my life is calling me to now?
How can I overcome any obstacles?
Taking on a new endeavour of any kind challenges us. I knew when I decided to throw my hat in the ring and run for municipal council that it wouldn't be a walk in the park. Actually taking the step to do it has brought up so much.
Who knew that running in an election would be so time-consuming -- before the nominations even open? And of course, whenever one steps forward advocating change, they become a screen for people's projections. Everyone expects you to know everything about their important issue. Some days, I've wanted to stop the train and get off.
I imagine there are days you feel that way, too. On those days, I feel it's just not worth it, and I think, "I want my life back." Then I sit back and reflect on what made me want to move in this direction in the first place.
I think about my ancestors, the folks who packed up all their worldly goods and crossed the ocean 130-odd years ago to come to the "new world." They came with hope in their hearts and a vision about a life for themselves and their families. A better life.
My great-great-grandparents, Jonathon and Elizabeth Bramley settled with their children in Extension, BC. Coal-miners, the men worked hard at their vocation and found the time to clear the land and farm. Growing most of their own food (as many families did back then) they persevered through the trials and tribulations life sent their way. Ironically, when coal was discovered right on their property, things began to go poorly. The government had given the mineral rights to a man now known in our parts as a "robber baron," in exchange for his building a railroad up the island. It's a long story, but suffice to say, it didn't go too well for the little guys.
Seems it seldom does. So, on the days when I feel like stopping, I lean on perseverance and remain steadfast and focussed.
Because truth be told, it rarely goes well for the little guys and 2011 is certainly no exception. As Desmond Tutu reminds us, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chose the side of the oppressor."
And I think about the First People and their children, and how hard it is for them to have a healthy, affordable life here -- where their families have lived for millennia.
Those thoughts lead me back to the desire to live a life of purpose, to stand for justice. That's what animates me. If you're reading this blog, I suspect that's (at least in part) what animates you, too.
So those of us who want to see a change in the world, speak up for justice. We march for equity. We petition for environmental sustainability. We ___________ (you can fill in the blank, the list is endless). And we vote for those we feel are the best people for the job, at all levels of government.
The outcome isn't up to us individually. But it is up to all of us, collectively. All of us need to be working together to make our visions real. Maybe we're going to have to step out of our comfort zone and get more involved to help that vision become real. When the inevitable struggles show up when we speak for change, what's up to us is to stay the course, regardless of the obstacles, both inner and outer, that arise along the way.
As the Perseverance card says, "Once we discern our true direction, we stay the course for however long it takes."
Once I make the decision to stay the course, I realize that I am on a long job interview. And my part is to be as available and as transparent as possible to my prospective employers -- the residents of my community. And to persevere.
The outcome is not solely in my hands. Getting that has made all the difference. I am walking more lightly now, and taking time just to be -- with friends, with family -- to play, rest and be alone with myself.
Whatever the outcome, when we take on a task we believe in -- perseverance helps us to do what it takes to stay the course.
May you have the fortitude to persevere on your path, no matter what obstacles arise.
May we continue to change the world, one heart at a time.
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Perseverance
I have a strong sense of purpose.
I have the will to overcome obstacles.
I remain committed to what I want to do.
I am determined to finish what I start.
I am trustworthy in my relationships.
I do what it takes to stay the course.
I am thankful for the gift of Perseverance. It keeps me going.
Reflection Questions
What is my purpose?
What does creativity inspire me to do?
What is the true direction my life is calling me to now?
How can I overcome any obstacles?
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