Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World

Every journey begins with roots that anchor us deeply, shaping who we become. Imagine a young family, navigating the quiet struggles of everyday life, suddenly thrown into turmoil when a father leaves without warning. This moment, painful and disorienting, becomes a crucible forging resilience. The mother, with no formal education and little work experience, rises to the challenge, taking on multiple jobs and returning to school to build skills. Around her, a community of neighbors, relatives, and friends quietly rallies, offering babysitting, jobs for the children, and even laying sod in the yard to transform a barren landscape into a place of comfort. These acts of kindness, no matter how small, weave a safety net that allows growth.

This family story is not unique, yet it illuminates a universal truth: resilience is often inherited and cultivated through the example of those who came before us. The great-grandmother who survived war, loss, and poverty by working night shifts cleaning office buildings, saving every penny, and defying doctors’ grim predictions, becomes a beacon of strength. Her daughter, likewise widowed young, runs a lamp shop and raises children with steadfast determination. Their lessons echo through generations, teaching that work ethic, self-reliance, and community support are pillars of survival.

For the eldest daughter, stepping into the role of caretaker and cook at a young age instilled a profound sense of responsibility. She learned that power is not about control but about the ability to create opportunity and dignity, even in the face of scarcity. Her mother’s refusal to accept victimhood and her relentless pursuit of education and employment became a roadmap for empowerment.

These stories remind us that our beginnings, no matter how humble or challenging, do not define our limits. Instead, they offer lessons in grit, compassion, and the transformative power of community. As we close this chapter of roots and resilience, we prepare to explore how expanding our world through education and connections opens doors to new possibilities. The journey from self to wider influence begins with the courage to grow beyond our origins.