We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot. -Eleanor Roosevelt

I watched Iron Lady last week with Aaron. Yes, I’m fully aware that I should have used a Margaret Thatcher quote instead of an Eleanor Roosevelt quote…but don’t worry, I quote MT in a minute. Midway through the movie, I realized this was not a typical movie–you know the one that starts with the main character dealing with a tough time, overcoming said tough time, and then riding a glamorous wave of win after win all the way to a happy ending. It was much more realistic and (honestly) sad, focusing more on the daily battles and bad days than any of that glamour. The movie overall was more intense than inspiring, but I was inspired by MT’s commitment to making a difference. She didn’t need to be liked by everyone, she didn’t fear making a controversial decision, she didn’t lose her convictions because of what people around her thought. She didn’t make decisions based on vanity. She was courageously committed to something greater than herself. That kind of commitment inspires me, especially in our world that’s more concerned with appearing put together over developing strong character. You can’t expect to live out that kind of commitment without serious courage.

If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing. -Margaret Thatcher

Hello truth.