I often watch people who empower themselves because of their convictions. No matter what their past has done to push them beneath the strong waves in the vast sea of life, these people rise above. Nothing can stop their human spirit, and to watch this self empowerment in action is truly to witness miracles. Very often, the castaways of prior days become the warriors of today. They, more than any others, realize the gift of a second chance. They, more than any others, feel obligated to return grace. And, they more than any others, endure their scars with unimaginable fortitude.
People who empower themselves after tremendous struggle realize that "possible" is not good enough. They, instead, believe the realization of their objectives is essential. To push themselves toward absolute success, they learn to expand their experiences, visions, and knowledge. I'm not talking about delving into some hocus pocus, mystical nonsense or conducting a flim flam search for understanding the soul. In reality, people who empower themselves face the future with indomitable courage and undeniable conviction. And, these people also realize the value of the truth, on its face, and the purpose of pursuing its elusive nature.
Warriors of self empowerment develop a sense and appreciation of a buried treasure deep within themselves. This treasure is the spirit within their being; however, like fools, many other people never realize their treasure even exists. Similar to a vital body organ, the spirit is always there. Unlike the organ though, the spirit is dependent upon its host to uncover it and to nurture it to its potential. The true treasure hunters of empowerment do not let past mistakes keep them from discovery and continuous progress. In truth, their mistakes most often provide motivation for more charitable future empowerment.
Most people remember Mel Fisher and his long, determined search for the treasure of the Atocha. Here is a brief summary of that dream come true:
"Mel Fisher, a dreamer, a visionary, a legend and most importantly, the World’s Greatest Treasure Hunter! Mel Fisher did what many have not - he realized his dream during his lifetime. Everyday he insisted, 'Today’s the Day!' His mantra continues to inspire the search for the rest of the treasure from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita, the Spanish galleons that sank during a hurricane on September 6, 1622, near Key West, Florida.
"Mel Fisher suffered many personal losses to keep his dream alive during his 16 year search and endured over 100 court battles which ended in victory in the US Supreme Court. The riches Mel Fisher, his team and investors had worked so hard for all those years were finally theirs. The $450 million dollar treasure cache or 'Atocha Mother Lode' would be found on that momentous day, July 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as 'Pieces of Eight,' gold coins, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars." (Mel Fisher's Treasures, www.melfisher.com, 2010)
I believe the same conviction Mel Fisher applied to finding priceless treasure is the spirit needed to find human empowerment in any endeavor. But, Fisher searched for gold and silver whereas most warriors of empowerment seek more important riches -- truth, justice, and goodness. Mel Fisher's find pales in comparison to progress in essential movements of human development. To anyone other than Fisher, his crew, and his investors his objects of treasure are as worthless as common metal and stones and may as well have remained at the bottom of the sea.
The people who find self empowerment I notice and admire most open themselves to sharing their wealth of kindness, not out of pity but out of concern for their common communities. They push thorny boundaries to new limits to encourage others that something better lies beyond. Their new strength is not dependent upon gold bars and emeralds they accumulate along the way. The tremendous satisfaction they feel and the beautiful self image they possess help them overcome their next inescapable mistake. But after their next mistake, they hardly dwell to commiserate before marching ahead. They become creatures who remain constantly in progress.
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable." --Helen Keller
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