The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes fortitude as "Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage".
This flower, growing against all odds in our rain gutter, embodies fortitude for me. And with some of my favorite people, I see examples of fortitude on a regular basis:
- the friend that undergoes chemo treatments that ravage her body on the way to healing
- the neighbour who spends time in her beloved garden even though it causes her significant physical pain
- the entrepreneur who cut his salary to nothing in order to save his company and pay his employees and suppliers first.
I'm thinking that we all could use a little fortitude right now. I greatly appreciate the writings of David Emerald about The Empowerment Triangle/Drama Triangle which have helped me (especially during tough times) make a conscious decision to move from Victim to Creator. You can read more by following the above link or in this book.
On this Friday, I wish you boat-loads of fortitude with whatever you're facing today. Just like the flower, you can thrive and survive too.











