In the book “Who Do We Choose to Be?” by Margaret Wheatley, I came across a thought-provoking passage that resonated deeply with me.
The words of Geoffrey Shugen Arnold challenged the common thought of the solitary hero, the individual who achieves success through sheer willpower and independence:
“One of our cultural identities or myths is of the one who goes it alone and pulls herself up by her bootstraps—the rebel, the outlaw, the self-made person.
What a lie. What an ingratitude. What a danger.
We are each the recipient of innumerable currents of life—through the lives of others—streaming into and influencing our own lives.”
The idea of ‘going it alone’ is a fallacy – a false narrative that denies the interconnected nature of our lives.
We are not self-made; we are given life by the influences of countless others around us.”
This perspective sheds light on the misguided belief that self-sufficiency is the key to a good life.
Recognizing the intricate web of connections that bind us together, we begin to see how our life influences ripple through this shared fabric of life.
By acknowledging our interdependence, we can work towards a collective well-being that benefits us all.
These insights challenge us to rethink our cultural myths of individualism and embrace a more holistic view of health and success.
Does this make you reconsider the challenges of going it alone and embrace a more connected path to well-being?”
I know it has for me.
For Our Greater Health,
Dr. Steve
