Monday Doings: The Human Spirit

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. ~ John Pierpont

I am always astounded at the things people do to survive.. The human spirit... so often people go through their life and have the "woe is me" attitude... and that bugs me. I would venture to say that most people, not all, but most - have had a hard life in some way... whether it's growing up in a dysfunctional family, being abused... being bullied or teased as a child...  there are those who have had their dreams die... or their possessions lost through fire, tornado or hurricane... there are those who have been dealt a disease of some type or perhaps mental illness... Really - most people have something that can knock them down and they can choose to stay down or to keep going and survive and even thrive!



“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” ~Buddha

Our thought patterns and beliefs determine our life. If we are not happy with where we are, we need to take a look at what we believe is holding us back and then tackle those things... most of them are just fears or false belief when you really think about it.

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” – Lao Tzu

If we are unhappy, we can’t expect something or someone outside of yourself to fix it. We are responsible for our own life. We have to just step out in faith and try to live the life we want... it may take a while to get there but we find that it does start to happen and pretty soon our life is better than it was before!!

Do what you can with what you have where you are.

Marwencol website



Today I came across a guy, Mark Hogancamp - who really had to step out and deal with fear. Mark Hogancamp is one of those people, that has had a hard life... maybe not in the way that my life has been... or yours... You see five thugs beat Mark into a brain-damaging coma. He was beaten beyond recognition. If you've ever been beaten before you can imagine something similar.. but to have your life and all that you knew taken away is something most of us can't relate to. All of his memories were gone... his sense of self, his sense of safety... all that he knew was changed - forever. But instead of doing nothing he decided to heal... heal by being creative - and you really should see what he's done. It's nothing short of amazing!! His story is now an award winning documentary - Marwencol.  His story brings this quote to mind:

Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free. ~Jim Morrison

I can't wait too see Marwencol. The film really shows Mark and his story and will provide true inspiration to those of us that want to see it.  If you're interested check out PBS Independent Lens - Marwencol is set to air on April 26th. (Due to my love of documentaries and independant films I love PBS Independent Lens.) I hope that you'll check out this moving documentary.  I am trusting that it will move some people to action... fear is nothing - we cannot let it keep us from the life we really want, the life we deserve.

Perhaps this story will help me to keep searching for what it is I want my life to be... I did not get the scholorship from When I Grow Up. I was disapointed - but you know it's all part of the plan. I do believe that the Lord always always leads me... He opens the doors and closes them - and it's up to me to listen and follow... I don't always do the best job at that but I am trying! I've been applying for a variety of jobs that are perfect for my skill set and that I think would be great for me... alas I continue to hear nothing. It's disapointing, discouraging and sometimes downright scary! But I know that it will work out in the end so I choose most of the time to not live in fear. It's a waste of my time and energy.

I know I'm not alone and we all go through these dry spells... but I hope you are like me and try to keep on going... and remember these words:

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Plato