Words

How two words have helped me this past year

Opinion

Shlomo Fishman

Capital Recreation is in business to make recreation accessible to all. I am not here to tell you the what, the who, and the when. I am here to support and encourage your positive behaviors. I am a Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) breaking down barriers to leisure and recreation participation. This blog is here as a tool to spread my personal thoughts and ideas. But most of all, to create community!

I was recently reminded of this quote, as I shared it just over a year ago as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking root in our day-to-day. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” (Maya Angelou). This quote from Maya Angelou, is one that resonates deep inside me. From a young age, I learned that words can be used to prop-up, build and construct for good. I also learned – the opposite is true. Words and how we use them, can do tremendous things on both sides of the horizon. I like to say, I do my best to stay positive and work to find the light in the moment in front of me. I would be hard-pressed to say that keeping an eye on the positive is always easy. On the contrary, I continually need to program myself to activity seek out the good and steer away from gossip and negative banter.

In the beginning of 2020 … before the pandemic, I set a goal to work on finding one positive thing every day. I made no rules. Just one positive thing per day. As simple as a good morning or helping someone with their groceries. Then … (drum roll please) the pandemic came to town and shook everything up! Early on, it was quite challenging (you can read about it in my previous post) and was having a hard time trying to find the positive. Until I remembered – grit & resilience. Two words. Two strong words. Two words to define my path forward. No if and or but … just grit & resilience.  

I used my personal grit to build courage and resolve; and to improve upon my own strength and character. I was not going to allow my determination to be better — be derailed by something outside my control. It does not mean, do not have feelings or emotions. In fact, I too have felt denial, anger, frustration, and a whole host of other emotions throughout these very uncertain times. I worked through those emotions by deploying the many tools in my toolbox such as journaling, connecting with others, and connecting with nature. All whilst working deep within to ask the hard questions to continue to be better!

Which moves me along to resilience. I have used resilience and continue to use it as a major weapon in my stash of tools. I use resilience to keep me moving forward and moving along the amazing journey of life. I know, every day there will be a new challenge opportunity to do good and be better. It is my personal capacity to recoup from difficulties and to stay tough for that day! It is time to break it down. There is no space or capacity to be concerned about the long-term when we need to focus on today. Yes! Do make long-term goals and plans. Remember to also make mid-term and short-term goals too. With your goals on display and energy from within, we will be able to bounce forward and thrive today and tomorrow!!

Finally, I would love to hear from you! What is ONE thing, phrase, or words you can say you’re proud of over the last year? Please leave a comment below so we can a grow forward together!        

Good Luck!!           

I always love hearing from you and your personal journey. Share your moments of growth and success on social media using the hashtag #shlomotrained

Until next time – peace, and virtual fist bump going your way!