There’s something very special about will, as in your will to do something, reach your goal, finish your task, make life happen. A person’s will, their determination, their spirit, that is something I have had great fun thinking about lately. As much as I have learned that it is often important to “let life happen” and go with the flow of your gut, I do also believe that we create our own experiences, and that we CAN do anything we set our hearts and minds to. I love that word CAN.
The will to move, make an impact, leave things a little better than when you found them, that will truly inspires me and it is something that I love to experience. Connecting with people who’s will to make a difference, that is a great gift. And as the school year has started I am in the fortunate position of getting to interact with people who possess that will. And it’s presence, that will, has already had an impact on me, as it has for the past number of years since I started to talk to high school students about my Cancer Challenges.
This week and specifically Friday’s Climb is largely about will. I remember this time 3 years ago, when I would try to pull myself up-right in my hospital bed that we had at home, I would pull myself up using the bed-side bars, and then see if, and eventually, how long I could keep myself up-right until I fell back to the support of the bed. I worked at that constantly, trying to rebuild the little bit of muscle I had left… I can still feel what it was like to have a mind that wanted to do so many “simple” things, like roll over in bed or sit up and have a drink, and to have a body that would execute none of those things.
There were many factors contributing to me regaining my independence as quickly as I did, but two things stand out for me right now, the love and support of my family, and my will.
There’s a great line that I’m sure I’ll mis-quote, even though I just reread it a couple of days ago, and it goes something like this “God grant me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can’t, and the wisdom to know the difference”. My awareness and acceptance of things I can not change has been growing consistently, and I do rely on my wisdom to guide me as I choose my areas to participate, contribute and make an impact. I can also say with great comfort that I believe now more than ever in my ability, in my will to make things happen.
There’s something very special about your will, your determination, your spirit. It’s one of the most powerful parts of you and I can say I have had a great time using my will to get me where I want to go. I can tell you that if my legs aren’t up for carrying me up Signal Hill on Friday, my “will” will be.
Always…
Live Life. Love Life.
Geoff
