After watching Diana Prince basically obliterate the enemy in a WWI setting, it’s hard not to be inspired by her daring and bravery. However, since I possess no magical sword or bracelets of victory, the whole idea of showing that kind of courage seemed almost laughable. But after careful consideration, I’ve compiled seven ways that, I feel, give off a little of that Amazonian fortitude.
Don’t be afraid to charge at the enemy head on... although a bullet-deflecting shield would be nice.
Most of the time we’re going to be too afraid to climb out of the trenches, but that will only allow the enemy to gain more ground and ensure a defeat rather than a victory. During WWI in 1914, after the British Naval fleet had sunk three German cruisers, thus achieving Britain’s first naval victory Winston Churchill said, “Sure I am of this, that you have only to endure to conquer. You have only to persevere to save yourselves, and to save all those who rely upon you. You have only to go right on, and at the end of the road, be it short or long, victory and honor will be found.”
Whether you’re facing a particularly difficult hardship in life or working on overcoming a personal dilemma, whatever your adversity is, take heart and know you can climb out and meet it head on.
Sometimes you gotta punch a few holes in the stone wall to reach your goals.
Once you’ve taken the leap of making goals for yourself, the wall you need to climb to reach them can seem almost impossible. Almost to the point of feeling like you’re going to fall off at any moment. However, with a little strength and fortitude and perhaps a little bit of punching, you can climb your way up and reach your potential.
Stop and appreciate the small wonders in life.
Be it ice cream (because let’s face it, it’s definitely an achievement), or the beauty of a freshly bloomed rose, when you take the time to stop and appreciate the small things in life, you will feel enriched and bring in a bit of sunshine even on the gloomiest days.
Don’t allow your personal missions to blind you to your fellow man.
When you’ve got an adversary named “Doctor Poison” to put a stop to, time is certainly of the essence, but be aware of those in need along the way. It can be easy to get caught up in your own goals to the point where you neglect those around you who are struggling in their own way and could use a helping hand. Keep a look out for those you can serve along the way.
Dare to reach greatness.
There was a kid in my elementary school that used to do somersaults constantly down the hill all throughout recess. I used to think that was pretty great. I mean how did he not get dizzy? There was also two kids in my fifth grade who, if holding hands during Red Rover Red Rover, you would never in a million years get through them. Also great to me. But nowadays I think of being great in different ways. To me, it means more of risking something to reach something greater. Being greater than you already are. And if that means sneaky off with a hot WWI pilot to single-handedly end one of the greatest conflicts in the 20th century, then that’s pretty great.
Beware of complacency in your life.
Although we might not have the Greek god of war whispering in our ear to settle and say nothing when bad things happen, it doesn’t mean it’s not going to be tempting to do when the situation arises. Often times we are prompted by posters and bus signs saying if we “see something, say something” but are we? In any case, even a small act of standing up for a friend or walking away from a gossipy conversation can be a way to show courage when it’s least expected.
“Never expect a battle to be fair.”
Life is not easy. There it is folks. That’s the bottom line. If life were fair and easy, it would be a whole different story and not one that would inspire tales such as those of Wonder Woman. However, with all the bad that will surely come your way, there will also be good, and armed with the love of family and friends and your own courage, you can meet whatever comes your way.
While we’ll never get a chance to crash land on Themyscira or carry around a very handy Lasso of Truth, there’s still the possibility of living up to of being our own #WonderWoman. From surrendering grudges to giving our fellow man a second chance, the list is endless on what we can do. But no matter what it is, make it something that even the Princess of Themyscira herself would be proud.