Chapter 1: The Power of Facing Resistance

In the journey of life, just as airplanes ascend against the wind, so too can our happiness thrive amidst challenges.

Henry Ford wisely noted, "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." Through my research, I found that taking off against the wind creates an upward force on the wings, enabling the plane to lift off at a slower speed. This notion prompts us to consider: could this principle apply to our everyday lives as well?

I am not advocating for intentionally choosing the harder path; life presents enough obstacles on its own. From climate change and political misinformation to healthcare issues and book banning, the winds of hardship are ever-present.

However, the resistance I suggest we confront is the one that hinders our progress toward positivity—both for ourselves and for others. Take, for instance, the very first action I take each morning: I turn off my alarm and return to bed. Instead of engaging in the activities I’ve planned—meditating, exercising, and writing—I succumb to the feeling of reluctance. That reluctance is where the true challenge lies.

It’s not just about resisting beneficial actions; it’s also about the reluctance to be unselfish towards others. Have you ever thought, "I should do the dishes instead of leaving them for someone else, but I just don't feel like it"? We often wait for motivation to strike, as if some magical force will inspire us later. Spoiler alert: it usually doesn’t.

We might find this humorous in sitcoms like "Everybody Loves Raymond," but it’s less amusing for those who have to pick up the slack. Often, they are just as exhausted yet more willing to face their own resistance.

Yet, we mustn't lose hope. We can cultivate courage to confront these challenges daily. Starting small can lead us to greater heights.

One practical step I plan to take is to maintain a small journal to document moments when I confronted my resistance. I’ll call it my Resistance Journal—or maybe my Liftoff Journal. It might look something like this:

• Got up anyway.
• Took a shower.
• Meditated for two minutes.
• Avoided late-night snacking.

No matter how trivial the victories over my reluctance might seem, I’ll record them. Additionally, while I engage in those tasks I initially resist, I’ll visualize each action as wind gathering beneath my wings, enabling me to soar towards becoming a healthier, kinder, and more generous individual.

This isn’t merely a whimsical notion; it’s grounded in physics. Just like an airplane takes off against the wind, we too can harness our resistance to propel ourselves forward.

Let's step outside, confront the wind head-on, and use our reluctance to fuel our journey into the vast unknown, declaring: “I don’t care if you don’t want to; we’re doing this!”

Tina Lear has been a writer since she could grasp a pencil. She has collaborated on four musicals with long-time partner Elise Forier-Edie, taught yoga to inmates at Rikers Island, performed at numerous Folk Festivals across the nation, and even drove cattle in Wyoming. After spending the first fifty years of her life evading challenges, she has learned to stand boldly in their midst, warming her hands by the fire of life’s contradictions. Explore her upcoming works for more inspiration.

Chapter 2: Inspirational Voices on Resistance

In the first video, "Join the Resistance: Anti-Starmer Comedy Song Goes Viral," we explore how humor can serve as a powerful tool for resistance, helping us navigate challenging times.

The second video, "Join the Resistance | Dr. Bret Weinstein on the Nicole Shanahan Interview with Tom Bilyeu," delves into the importance of standing firm in our beliefs and how to channel our resistance into constructive action.