Before my accidents, there were ten thousands things I could do. I could spend the rest of my life dwelling on the things that I had lost, but instead I chose to focus on the nine thousand I still had left.
Interpretation
Focusing on what you still have rather than what you've lost is a testament to resilience.
This quote by W Mitchell emphasizes the importance of perspective in the face of adversity. Instead of succumbing to the despair of loss after experiencing significant setbacks, Mitchell chooses to appreciate and focus on the remaining opportunities and capabilities. This mindset not only cultivates resilience but also enriches life by redirecting attention from what is absent to what is still possible.
In practice
In a speech about overcoming challenges after an injury, one might quote W Mitchell to inspire the audience.
I have learned that a woman can be a fighter, a freedom fighter, a political activist, and that she can fall in love, and be loved, she can be married, have children, be a mother... Revolution must mean life also; every aspect of life.
It was important, Dumbledore said, to fight, and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then could evil be kept at bay, though never quite eradicated. . . .
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?
In my life as a soldier and citizen, I have seen time and time again that inaction has dire consequences.
Speak, speak, speak, & remember that whenever anyone's liberty to speak is denied, your liberty is denied also, & your place is where the attack is.
The most important accomplishment, I believe, was my voting against the First World War.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.