The Watering Whole

posted by Al Bell on November 9, 2020

Welcome to The Watering Whole. A place designed to provide motivation and encouragement based on real-life stories. Although things may feel bleak for now, know that it is only for a moment and your breakthrough is around the corner.

Life always shares its’ dose of the good and the bad whether one likes it or not, so it is important for one to stay even keel, have courage when the time comes, embrace a tenacious spirit, and be persistent, regardless.

These moments which could seem to be a lifetime, are really only for a moment within one’s life. Those moments can be one of the most impactful life learning phases one ever goes through.

There are those who endure, prevail, and finish with a powerful life message.

Maryanne Pope is one who has and can share her experience. Read on as she shares her thoughts on the Resilient Woman series.

1. What is your definition of a strong woman?

My definition of a strong woman is a woman who has the strength to stand up for what she believes in; the courage to face whatever she must face in her lifetime; the humility to realize the road is long and the journey arduous and regardless of the path she choses she cannot do it alone; and the wisdom to accept help when she needs it.

2. A Resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain.

A resilient woman is like a Bobo doll: no matter what challenges come her way, when she gets knocked down, she gets right back up again and carries on – but not before learning the lesson or lessons that need to be learned. A resilient woman possesses the qualities of a strong woman – courage, humility, and wisdom – mainly because of the challenges she has faced on her journey so far. Resilience is rather like scar tissue…it tends to take experience and time to build up.

3. Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase a Resilient Women in action?

The first two women that comes to mind of resilient women is Cindy Kolbe and her daughter, Beth. Cindy was recently featured as a resilient woman in The Watering Whole.  Here is a description of Beth that I wrote in a recent blog:

Beth’s reaction to the events that fundamentally altered the trajectory of her life was swift and certain. Basically, her response was: okay, this lousy thing has happened to me…now what I am going to do about it?

Then she proceeded to focus her efforts on physio, then finishing high school, then learning to swim, then becoming a competitive swimmer at the Olympic level, then teaching kids to swim, then going to Harvard, then to Yale Law School, then becoming a lawyer, then getting married…the list goes on.

Like a Timex watch, Beth took a lickin’ (a HUGE one) and just kept on tickin’. Her mom, Cindy, demonstrated resilience in a different – but equally inspiring – way.

4. What barriers if any may a Resilient Women encounter?

A resilient woman faces any number of potential barriers. But a resilient woman learns not to see them as barriers…as least not as barriers that will hold her back. A resilient woman learns – eventually – to view barriers as mere challenges to either be overcome or simply ignored.

5. Is society recognizing the Resilient women today and if so how?

Yes. I do think society recognizes resilient women today. I think our world is filled with incredible examples – past, present and future – of strong, resilient women who are overcoming significant challenges left, right and center.

6. Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too.

One example for me of a strong woman was my mom! She was as tough as nails…fierce, independent, courageous. She was a tough woman to tangle with (and be mothered by) but she taught me how to be strong (versus merely telling me)…and I think that is one of the greatest gifts a mother can give her daughter.

7. Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman?

No. I do not think there are limits to being a strong woman. I think worthwhile people admire and respect a strong woman. And if they don’t, that is their problem.

8. If you could help guide someone in being a Strong Woman, how would you help them?

Good question! I would tell her she is going to have become resilient. She is going to have to put into her mind the image of a Bobo doll. And when the challenges start to come – and they will – then she just has to learn how to stay the course, get knocked down, learn the lessons, get back on her feet again and keep going…wiser, stronger, healthier, happier, more courageous, more humble, more resilient. Build up that scar tissue, I would say. But don’t worry…that won’t harden your heart. On the contrary, that will enable you to love in a way where you can truly make a difference.  

Wow! Well said Maryanne. Your thoughts are certainly inspiring! Thanks for participating and sharing.

Here is Maryannes’ contact and social media information:

Twitter: @MaryannePope

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/maryanne-pope-56a3681a

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEsC5DhXrZ4     

Instagram: @pope.maryanne

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/maryannepope 

Blog/Website: www.pinkgazelle.com

Maryanne Pope bio:

Maryanne Pope is the author of A Widow’s Awakening, the playwright of Saviour and the screenwriter of God’s Country. Maryanne is CEO of Pink Gazelle Productions and Chair of the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund. To receive her weekly blog, Weekly Words of Wisdom, please sign up here.

Purpose behind my blog, The Watering Hole:

Our blog shares inspirational quotes, stories, anecdotes, experiences & life lessons learned…all geared towards helping people live with passion and purpose. 

Thank you!