These economic times may have us questioning our security. Financial security, if we are fortunate enough to have it, gives confidence that we will survive. But is that enough?
The sense of well-being that we desire is determined by many factors. Some people think their strength comes from their educational degrees; others may believe it lies in their intelligence, profession, physical ability, emotional resolve or family. Educational degrees or material possessions are not a measure of the inner strength that dwells somewhere between our "heart" and our thought processes.
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." -Eleanor Roosevelt.
Once we have logged a few years and our head toppers start turning white or falling out, we realize our journeys have taught us much about inner strength. Many of us have concluded that we could not have arrived at this point in our life journeys without injury and scars. I think it's fair to say the consensus would be that we have gained wisdom and insight through the battles of life.
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength." -Francis de Sales.
I've heard it said that getting older is not for the faint hearted. How inner strength is obtained is not as important as attaining it. The process and circumstances whereby inner strength is achieved is as varied as each individual's journey.
"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." -Oprah Winfrey
Life has a way of testing the very core of what we are made of. It can be likened to the making of steel. The hardening process involves heating the steel to above the critical transformation temperature for the given grade and then rapidly cooling it. The process results in a tougher and more durable product.
Choices made at crossroads determine the path we take. It is the consequences that we live with, which create character. Adversity can strengthen our grip.
"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity." -Louis Pasteur
Louis Pasteur solved the mysteries of rabies, anthrax, chicken cholera, silkworm diseases, and contributed to the development of the first vaccines. He described the scientific basis for fermentation, winemaking, and the brewing of beer. Pasteur's work gave birth to many branches of science, and he was single-handedly responsible for some of the most important theoretical concepts and practical applications of modern science.
His tenacity is evident in the results he achieved.
JUNE 2009 SENIOR LIVING VANCOUVER
