Inspirations from the early pioneers
It can be exhausting. Moving, major life changes, losses, even new opportunities can really deplete the reserves we have, putting our core beliefs and sense of well being to the test. Key questions arise:
Can we do it? Is everything about stuff or about our quality of life? Are we using our skills for the best opportunities or just staying busy?
I recently traveled with fifty fourth graders to our state capitol and watched as they toured historic areas and packed a wagon, dipped candles, baked bread, and discussed pioneers surviving the elements on the long ride across mountains, going westward to California. How did they leave everything familiar behind and survive? I realize many didn’t make it across the mountains. But for those that did make it I found a few key inspirations in listening to their tales. Many persevered and built our railroads and infrastructure that stands today.
When I heard the stories about the floods on the banks of the Sacramento river over a hundred years ago, and how the whole town was raised a story higher and rebuilt after that flood it struck a familiar chord. They didn’t stay in survival mode. They found a way when there seemed to be impossible odds.
Joey Van Tassel in front of the Eagle Theater, where the phrase “The Show Must Go On!” was coined of necessity!Here’s Joey sitting in front of the Eagle Theater, where according to lore, the actors kept performing on boxes as the river continued to rise. There the phrase, “The show must go on” was coined. Again this seemed familiar.
I was reminded that to gain something new – a belief, a vision for potential, a sense of soaring amidst the difficulties in life – you really do have to break through fear and find your own path forward.
I always love seeing the gold spike and hearing the story of the railroads uniting the country. So many people had to sacrifice to make it possible for transportation and the building of our country. Yet hope was alive…
I want that kind of pioneer determination and hope in my current challenges.
The ones that drain away my resources and require me to be renewed. To persevere. To remain undaunted and determined to find hope.
I admire those who went through so much to bring possibility to light. I held Joey’s hand and smiled as he ran back to the group and learned about the pioneers.
We took the kids panning for gold and I was intrigued by the rolling green hills and area surrounding Sutter’s Mill. There were many sad tales of those pursuing riches but just barely surviving.
Yet someone planted pretty bulbs across from the old jail. I love these little snowdrops on a gray gloomy day, it’s just the wisp of hope that speaks to my weary side and makes me smile.
Can you relate to the early pioneers in your own challenges?
Good things coming… Let Resilience Arise!
The most amazing group of authors are going to share their own stories of resilience with you starting in April and continuing through the summer. Here’s just a few in the works!!!
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