Dedication

BARB’S BOOMER BLOG

MUSINGS FROM THE MILLENNIAL WORLD #3

Ever been called stubborn? I sure have, but I prefer to consider it persistent.  When one applies that particular personality trait, whatever you call it, in a positive direction toward a goal or cause, consider it dedication. Over the weekend, several examples of dedication were in evidence.

On Saturday many dedicated people came together to raise funds for Alternatives, Inc. (See https://www.alternativesdv.org/ for details).  Ending domestic violence is one of those causes that volunteers, staff, donors, models (male first responders and board members) and even local celebrities serving as co-emcees rallied around the cause while having fun at this annual event.  It was obvious that a lot of effort over many hours, weeks and months had gone into planning this event, and it would not be too surprising to learn that 2019 planning might already be underway.

However, like with most such organizations and the causes behind them, it is the clients they serve that drive the dedication of those we saw there that day and throughout the year. We heard from two clients, one via a video message and one in person.  As one so aptly put it, “Don’t call me a victim.  I’m a survivor.”  Based on the story she told, she has done far more than survive; she has thrived and will continue to do so.  With the help of those who supported her throughout her journey, it appears she may be stubborn, persistent and dedicated to her goals as well as to the things and people that are important to her.

After arriving home that evening, I learned that our nation had lost one of its great patriots, Sen. John McCain. This is not a political discussion, but rather one of character traits and an observation of how those traits appeared to have driven him throughout his service to country.  As I listened to people describing Sen. McCain’s military and legislative journey, I heard several describe him as “stubborn” and it made me smile through my tears.  Reflect for a moment on what that stubbornness allowed him to endure in the Hanoi Hilton.  It allowed him to survive what most of us cannot even imagine, enabling him later to hold his head high upon his return, knowing he did not take the early release offered to him once his captors learned he was the son of U. S. military brass.

As his military career came to an end because of his injuries endured under torture during captivity (reportedly his decision), he turned to elected office as his chosen means of continued service. He spent the rest of his life serving the State of Arizona, first in the House of Representatives and then in the U.S. Senate.  It was mainly as a Senator from Arizona and as a candidate for President that I heard him described as “stubborn” over the weekend.  He did not always toe the party line, did not always take the advice of his staff, but reportedly followed what his heart, mind, conscience and best judgment dictated. Throughout a lifetime of dedication to country, we owe him thanks for being such a shining example of this attribute.

Here is the broader lesson we take from these local and global examples of dedication. It is the concept that one can transition something that could on the surface seem to be character flaws into traits and attributes that are positive.  As I often say, “Use your powers for good and not evil.”  If Sen. McCain was “stubborn” then next time someone describes me that way, I will consider it a compliment!

Here is the way forward in a broader sense for each of us. We all have a negative attribute or two, perhaps not rising to the level of a character flaw, but not so great nevertheless.  However, we can try to think of ways to apply those attributes in positive ways like turning stubbornness to persistence to dedication!

Thanks for reading. As always, looking forward to your comments, suggestions, and of course connections—whether in person or via social media!