Gandhi famously said, “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history”.

Additionally, there is a Jewish quote that has had a huge impact on me: “Even if a knife is pointed at your neck, do not give up hope”.

I have met numerous people who have faced severe sickness, imminent financial ruin, struggles with their children, and severe trauma. Due to their undying faith and their positive attitudes, these people have overcome and even in the cases where they haven’t entirely overcome, they were always better off than those who gave up hope, those who hid, and those who worried and feared for the worst.

There are studies that have proven that attitude and faith have helped cure people of cancer– the power of positivity is truly remarkable.

My question is, how? It’s so much easier said than done when the cards are stacked against us. How do we not lay down our sword and retreat? How do we stand tall and have faith in the face of adversity? My second question is: What can I do for others that are struggling who are literally and figuratively battling for their lives?

Firstly, I’d love to hear your answers to these questions. How do you muster the faith and the courage when it seems that the lights have gone out? And, what do you do for others to keep them from giving up hope when it seems all is lost?

What I try to do for myself, is build up my resilience and faith muscle when things are good; I breathe, I pray, I meditate, and I actually have conversations with myself, reminding myself that all is well. You see, I’m one of those people that is capable of looking at the glass as empty when it’s almost full, and I’m capable of worrying when all is well. Therefore, my faith and my courage practice of reminding myself that I have the tools to be the victor, and not the victim, are crucial. However, and this is important– I must speak to myself kindly and gently!

What I do for others is one word: listen. I pay attention; I look them in the eye and let them know that I hear them. Furthermore, I tell them that I can’t promise it will get better, yet I can promise they don’t have to go through it alone, as I’m right by their side, and it’s always easier when we aren’t alone.

Loneliness is one of the major ills of today’s society. This week, let’s let someone know that they aren’t alone, and that you are there with them. In doing so, you will be a part of the small body of determined spirits that alters the course of history!
Accountability, Community, Unconditional Love
Asher

I want to remind all of you that you can hear more on my podcast, Showing Up. We have lots of amazing shows with interesting guests on a variety of personal development topics. It would be great if you could also rate 5 stars, review and subscribe to the show. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/showing-up-with-asher-gottesman/id1489856285y