“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” –Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Ella Wheeler Wilcox described the struggles of the human condition through poetry. Known for great empathy for both humans and animals alike, her voice offered words for feelings many preferred to ignore.
Active in the Spiritualism and the New Thought movements, Wilcox saw life as a series of events, some negative, many positive, and none beyond the power of positive thinking. She approached her personal and national tragedies with this perspective and maintained a strong sense of self and her place in this world.
Many can benefit from this perspective today.
Even in this modern age, people may believe in destiny and accept it as beyond their control. People often described themselves as “cursed” or “blessed” depending on what they face. In the extreme, some wander as hapless victims of circumstance approaching every new situation in a defensive matter: What is it this time? Good or bad?
Others take Ella Wheeler Wilcox approach. With a strong sense of belief, they focus their days around a larger plan. Whether the goal is as simple as making a yoga class or as complex as starting a new business, steps taken ensure it is reached. Everything moves forward no matter the emergencies, panic, or other obstacles in the way.
This approach believes obstacles are not what determines your destiny but how you approach them.
Today, don’t react, but adapt.
We cannot control everything in our lives but we can affect how we respond. Even the most determined souls encounter setbacks and must regroup. The choice is whether to stop and cower to an idea of fate, or start again to keep growing towards your ideals.
