I first learned of Helen Keller while watching my babysitter’s high school production of the story. I recall sitting transfixed in the auditorium chair stuffed with old coils that groaned and protested every time I leaned in closer to the unfolding drama. I marveled at Helen’s wildness as she tore about the stage in anger and frustration. And I felt grateful for the patience of Annie, her teacher.
Look at illness with an enlightened perspective.
Keller had so many reasons to suffer at the hands of her circumstances and never risk a connection to the outside world. Instead, she fought to have her voice heard, continuing to raise the consciousness and wellbeing of the world long after she left us. When we can see illness from an enlightened perspective, while we may not understand the reason (cause), it is possible to uncover a purpose in it.
Having found purpose in the loss of my husband through the work I do, I am easily drawn to others who have overcome their own loss - contributing something of meaning in spite of what they have been through.
Here are five powerful principles inspired by quotes from Helen Keller:
One Person Can Make a Difference
“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.” Recognize that taking small, consistent steps over time leads to change. That’s why I have my coaching clients set manageable action steps that lead to longer term, successful outcomes in their lifestyle behaviors.
Be a Visionary
“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” Vision provides us with energy, motivation, and passion – all things that fuel us to create change. Without it, we cannot begin to imagine the difference we can make.
Lead With Your Heart
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” When we come from the heart, we cannot be in a place of fear or alone in our journey. It is from the heart that we truly connect with others, creating authenticity, alignment, and opportunity.
Dare or Die
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Just because we are breathing, it doesn’t mean we are truly living. Stretching out of our comfort zone and daring to go for our dreams is what it is to be alive.
Leave Judgment Behind
“While they were saying amongst themselves it cannot be done, it was done.”
It is easy to get agreement in a group of naysayers that something cannot be achieved. You can be part of that conversation or you can, instead, invest your energy in transforming the impossible to “I’m possible.”
If you practiced each of these principles between now and the end of the year, what would be different in your life? How much more wellbeing might you create if you let go of fear and judgment? What changes when you start to live from “I’m possible?”
Tambre Leighn, MA, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
Managing Director, 7th Level Wellbeing
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching