What does that mean? Resilient means “able to withstand or quickly recover from a difficult situations”. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If you fall, get back on the horse.” I’m not sure that’s always the best idea. Sometimes, it’s better to find another horse or better yet, stay off the horse altogether. When I say resilient, I mean get up, dust yourself off, and find a better way to do it.

Starting Over

I have recently lost my job of 6 years. I loved my work. I loved the people I worked with. But I knew that I would not have stayed, even if my job had not been eliminated. They were making a lot of changes. And I while I often enjoy change and a challenge, I knew that these changes were not for me. Sure, I am sad and scared of what the future holds. But I also know that I have gotten up and dusted myself off before. At that time, I got back on the horse. This time, I’m going to find a better way to get there.

Inspiration

Several years ago, I traveled to Cuba on an education tour. I recently started looking at some of my photos. Some of these you have seen before. But some are new. I enjoyed the country.   I keep reminding myself of the wonderful, optimistic, resilient people. If these people who face such hardship and difficulty can be so compassionate and optimistic, why can’t I?

People walk down the street in Havana, Cuba

Cuba is known for the vintage cars.

People are getting their day started in Havana

Yellow and green dominate the buildings on this side street in Havana

Cuban Market with fresh produce

Downtown Havana Evening Sales

Havana Bay is home to many historic sites, this guy might be one of them

Plaza de San Francisco in Havana, Cuba, is home to the Basilica and Monastery of San Francisco de Asis

Basilica and Monastery of San Francisco de Asis in Havana, Cuba

Those classic cars you see? Many of those are pieced together by handmade parts. Parts the drivers made themselves because they had little access to outside supplies.