#overcoming-obstacles — Public Fediverse posts

✮ Mountains ✮

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✮ Mountains ✮

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✮ Fueled ✮

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✮ Fueled ✮

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Our Journey Begins

On Wednesday morning, we will be on our way. First, we’ll take a couple days to travel to my favorite place, Pentwater, Michigan. There, we’ll spend two weeks with family. This is our time to be with our family, with our grown children and other family members all the way down to our great niece and nephew.

When we leave Michigan, for the first time ever, we won’t head home. Rather, we’ll take 15 days to journey to the Grand Canyon. There, we’ll volunteer as camp hosts for two and a half months. I feel like we’ve moved heaven and earth for this possibility.

A couple of years ago, we took a cruise to Alaska. This was a long held hope and dream of mine, and I could hardly believe we’d made it. I kept thinking something would prevent us from reaching this personal frontier. Once on the cruise ship, headed north, I had to pinch myself to know for sure, this was really happening.

I feel the same way about volunteering at the Grand Canyon. To be and live in this iconic National Park almost seems too great of a thing that could happen to me. Even now, I hope I’m not jinxing myself – as we are not there yet.

We applied for this volunteer position back in September. Amanda, the NPS Park ranger for the volunteers, contacted us expressing interest and wanting to set up an interview.

Then the government shutdown happened.

I knew we wouldn’t hear anything for a while. However, we did receive an email from Amanda saying she would contact us after the shutdown ended. That shutdown now seems like a distant memory, doesn’t it?

Long story short, we eventually interviewed and were selected. This was a surprise because I thought we’d be eliminated since the date range for the position was five months, and because of our Michigan tradition, we were only available for the second half. We’re not giving up Pentwater, even for the Grand Canyon.

But this didn’t knock us out. Instead, out of 70 applicants, we were some of the ones chosen. We got the lucky ticket in this lottery.

We had more paperwork to do, including some online forms and creating a resume for both Dan and I. Then, they requested for Dan to get fingerprinted. Not digital fingerprints, like we did for LBJ National Historical Park. Rather, real ink fingerprints with an authorized agency. We found an agency 30 minutes away from where we were in Big Cypress. Then we had to take a picture of the prints and various forms and email that in through a protected server. Once all was approved, we then had to FedEx everything to … somewhere. I don’t even remember where anymore. The FedEx was another 30 minutes away from where we were in Big Cypress.

It puzzled us that they only asked Dan to do this. I should have asked about why they didn’t ask me.

However, they did ask me. Except I didn’t know as it was sent to an incorrect email. So, back to the ink fingerprint joint, email extravaganza, and finally to the busy FedEx office on Marco Island. This process from being accepted to getting this all done took about four months, keeping in mind that each 30 minute trip was a week or more given our volunteer work schedule in the Preserve. Factor in communication time, and it’s just about four months.

Finally, we were all set up and approved!

Then we found out Dan has prostate cancer.

A scheduled biopsy turns into two unscheduled stints in the hospital. Once through that debacle, a consultation. Then a decision to “wait and watch”, but a later PSA test turns up the heat, and he decides for surgery. Another consultation, all the while waiting, wondering, will we still get to go?

The surgeon, based on the results of Dan’s genetic testing of the cancer cells, confirms, it is just fine for us to wait until November, after our Grand Canyon expedition. So, then we ask, can we wait until March or April? You know, Dan really doesn’t like cold weather. The surgeon says…”Well, you could…”, but then wavers a bit, throwing cold water on the idea. So we count our blessings and stick with the November schedule.

This is good with us. We had been in the process of setting up a gig with an Arizona State Park, but once we learned of the cancer diagnosis, we bowed out. We wanted to give the coordinator plenty of time to find other volunteers.

But here we are. Ready to go. Fingers crossed and God willing.

I can’t help but think when I look out over that canyon for the first time and try to take in its immense beauty and splendor, I’ll stand there with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. It will be a moment when I thank God for getting us there, giving us this opportunity, and amazing us with the glory of His creation. It will all be worth it. Don’t you think? Of this, I have no doubt.

Our Journey Begins

On Wednesday morning, we will be on our way. First, we’ll take a couple days to travel to my favorite place, Pentwater, Michigan. There, we’ll spend two weeks with family. This is our time to be with our family, with our grown children and other family members all the way down to our great niece and nephew.

When we leave Michigan, for the first time ever, we won’t head home. Rather, we’ll take 15 days to journey to the Grand Canyon. There, we’ll volunteer as camp hosts for two and a half months. I feel like we’ve moved heaven and earth for this possibility.

A couple of years ago, we took a cruise to Alaska. This was a long held hope and dream of mine, and I could hardly believe we’d made it. I kept thinking something would prevent us from reaching this personal frontier. Once on the cruise ship, headed north, I had to pinch myself to know for sure, this was really happening.

I feel the same way about volunteering at the Grand Canyon. To be and live in this iconic National Park almost seems too great of a thing that could happen to me. Even now, I hope I’m not jinxing myself – as we are not there yet.

We applied for this volunteer position back in September. Amanda, the NPS Park ranger for the volunteers, contacted us expressing interest and wanting to set up an interview.

Then the government shutdown happened.

I knew we wouldn’t hear anything for a while. However, we did receive an email from Amanda saying she would contact us after the shutdown ended. That shutdown now seems like a distant memory, doesn’t it?

Long story short, we eventually interviewed and were selected. This was a surprise because I thought we’d be eliminated since the date range for the position was five months, and because of our Michigan tradition, we were only available for the second half. We’re not giving up Pentwater, even for the Grand Canyon.

But this didn’t knock us out. Instead, out of 70 applicants, we were some of the ones chosen. We got the lucky ticket in this lottery.

We had more paperwork to do, including some online forms and creating a resume for both Dan and I. Then, they requested for Dan to get fingerprinted. Not digital fingerprints, like we did for LBJ National Historical Park. Rather, real ink fingerprints with an authorized agency. We found an agency 30 minutes away from where we were in Big Cypress. Then we had to take a picture of the prints and various forms and email that in through a protected server. Once all was approved, we then had to FedEx everything to … somewhere. I don’t even remember where anymore. The FedEx was another 30 minutes away from where we were in Big Cypress.

It puzzled us that they only asked Dan to do this. I should have asked about why they didn’t ask me.

However, they did ask me. Except I didn’t know as it was sent to an incorrect email. So, back to the ink fingerprint joint, email extravaganza, and finally to the busy FedEx office on Marco Island. This process from being accepted to getting this all done took about four months, keeping in mind that each 30 minute trip was a week or more given our volunteer work schedule in the Preserve. Factor in communication time, and it’s just about four months.

Finally, we were all set up and approved!

Then we found out Dan has prostate cancer.

A scheduled biopsy turns into two unscheduled stints in the hospital. Once through that debacle, a consultation. Then a decision to “wait and watch”, but a later PSA test turns up the heat, and he decides for surgery. Another consultation, all the while waiting, wondering, will we still get to go?

The surgeon, based on the results of Dan’s genetic testing of the cancer cells, confirms, it is just fine for us to wait until November, after our Grand Canyon expedition. So, then we ask, can we wait until March or April? You know, Dan really doesn’t like cold weather. The surgeon says…”Well, you could…”, but then wavers a bit, throwing cold water on the idea. So we count our blessings and stick with the November schedule.

This is good with us. We had been in the process of setting up a gig with an Arizona State Park, but once we learned of the cancer diagnosis, we bowed out. We wanted to give the coordinator plenty of time to find other volunteers.

But here we are. Ready to go. Fingers crossed and God willing.

I can’t help but think when I look out over that canyon for the first time and try to take in its immense beauty and splendor, I’ll stand there with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. It will be a moment when I thank God for getting us there, giving us this opportunity, and amazing us with the glory of His creation. It will all be worth it. Don’t you think? Of this, I have no doubt.

Building from Zero After Addiction, Prison, and a Felony

https://gavinray97.github.io/blog/building-from-zero-after-addiction-prison-felony

#HackerNews #BuildingFromZero #RecoveryJourney #OvercomingObstacles #PersonalGrowth #Resilience

Building from Zero After Addiction, Prison, and a Felony

https://gavinray97.github.io/blog/building-from-zero-after-addiction-prison-felony

#HackerNews #BuildingFromZero #RecoveryJourney #OvercomingObstacles #PersonalGrowth #Resilience

It’s no secret to those who know me that I took up playing the violin late in life.  I was...

Check out my weekday daily #blog and read more in my post: Vibrato Know

#Blog #AgingInStyle #LearningOld #MakingMusic #OvercomingObstacles

https://8clicks.8r4d.com/2026/05/vibrato-know/

It’s no secret to those who know me that I took up playing the violin late in life.  I was...

Check out my weekday daily #blog and read more in my post: Vibrato Know

#Blog #AgingInStyle #LearningOld #MakingMusic #OvercomingObstacles

https://8clicks.8r4d.com/2026/05/vibrato-know/

✮ As Water ✮

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✮ As Water ✮

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Don't fear the breakdown. It's often the prelude to a breakthrough you couldn't have planned.

#Breakthrough #OvercomingObstacles #RiseUp #GrowthMindset #BreakdownToBreakthrough #FearNothing #TransformationJourney #Quotes #ShareInspireQuotes

Challenge conventional wisdom, leverage existing regulations creatively, and engage diverse perspectives to OVERCOME DEFENSE ACQUISITION SYSTEM OBSTACLES.
https://rosecoveredglasses.wordpress.com/2026/04/02/innovation-success-story-in-overcoming-defense-acquisition-system-obstacles-for-small-unmanned-surface-vehicles/
#DefenseAcquistionSystem #OvercomingObstacles

Challenge conventional wisdom, leverage existing regulations creatively, and engage diverse perspectives to OVERCOME DEFENSE ACQUISITION SYSTEM OBSTACLES.
https://rosecoveredglasses.wordpress.com/2026/04/02/innovation-success-story-in-overcoming-defense-acquisition-system-obstacles-for-small-unmanned-surface-vehicles/
#DefenseAcquistionSystem #OvercomingObstacles

You've survived too many storms to be bothered by raindrops. You've got this.

#YouveGotThis #MotivationDaily #KeepGoing #StrongerThanEver #Resilience #MindsetMatters #OvercomingObstacles #InnerStrength #SelfBelief #Inspiration #NeverGiveUp #PositiveVibes #MentalStrength #GrowthMindset #ViralReel #Quotes #ShareInspireQuotes

Every roadblock is actually asking one simple question: How much do you really want this? Tag someone who needs this reminder today! #OvercomingObstacles

This powerful line from Hill's formula reminds us that setbacks aren't failures - they're stepping stones to greater confidence. How have your setbacks made you stronger? #OvercomingObstacles

Dear control freaks, thank you for your sorry asses for existing. You don't intimidate me; you only present a challenge. You kick my ass into gear to rise up from my addiction and pushback. When I push back, I won't stop — I'll heal, and you lose face every time. So thank you again for being a challenge to humanity. But just wait until people realize how weak you really are.
#SelfGrowth #Resilience #PersonalPower #OvercomingObstacles #MentalStrength #Boundaries #LifeLessons #Empowerment

Faith That Moves Mountains (Christian Music) = New worship song to strengthen your faith ✨ - #God #Jesus #TheLord #Praise #ChristianMusic #Bible #Music #Song #Faith #TrustingGod #SpiritualStrength #Hope #OvercomingObstacles #DivineGuidance #Prayer #Belief #Growth #Community #Fellowship #Uplifting #Inspiration #Devotion #Worship #Miracles #Grace #Light #Courage #Love #Joy #Peace #Truth #Perseverance #HolySpirit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwleCe38Vec

How a legally blind hitting coach transforms lives through baseball https://www.rawchili.com/mlb/438897/ #AlbertPujols #AndyGerch #Baseball #batting #blind #ClaytonCollier #ConnorGerch #FortCalhoun #Heartwarming #HighSchool #hitting #HittingCoach #Inspiring #LegallyBlind #Lincoln #LincolnSouthwest #MacularDegeneration #MarkWetzel #MiLB #MLB #Nebraska #Omaha #OmahaStormChasers #OvercomingObstacles #PoncaHills #TaceyBelina #TonyGywnn

Recurring problems might signal a lesson unlearned. Just like the 1980 Olympic hockey team's victory, overcoming stubbornness can lead to unexpected miracles in one's own life. #MiracleMovie #Hockey #LifeLessons #OvercomingObstacles

Is worldly success all there is? What if the true fight is against something deeper? One shares why real victory lies in overcoming inner struggles and the ultimate fate we all share. Is there a different way to look at life's challenges? #SpiritualGrowth #InnerPeace #FaithJourney #OvercomingObstacles

We explore how we justify excuses. From tiredness to busyness, we often have legitimate reasons. But how often do we truly use them as excuses? Let's explore this with examples. #Excuses #SelfReflection #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Procrastination #Productivity #OvercomingObstacles #SelfImprovement #Inspiration

"Life is a journey, not a destination." Ralph Waldo Emerson
campingemporium.com

#lifeisajourney #trusttheprocess #selfworth #trustyourself #overcomingobstacles #soulguidance #soulgrowth #life #soulaligned #spiritualaf

This video delves into prioritizing faith, navigating disagreements, and the sacrifices required to follow Jesus. Learn about unity in Christ, adapting to obstacles, and the importance of helping others understand. Discover the path to true commitment and understanding. #Christianity #ChristianDiscipleship #FaithJourney #UnityInChrist #FollowingJesus #SermonSeries #BiblicalTeachings #SpiritualGrowth #PrioritiesOfFaith #OvercomingObstacles #ChristianLiving

😖 Symptoms of MS come back and hit harder when I'm sad or stressed.

Discovering what brings me joy and energy has been key to overcoming challenges.

One of my favourite summer rituals? Speed hiking! 🏃⛰️
Running up the mountain might look silly to some, but to me, it’s empowering.
It pushes my limits and strengthens my will to beat fatigue.

What helps you shift into a positive mindset?

#Positivity #OvercomingObstacles #SelfCare #SpeedHiking #MSHero #MindOverMS

Challenges don’t block the path—they are the path. What’s been your most meaningful challenge? #mindsetmatters #overcomingobstacles #growthmindset #resilience #lifelessons #motivation #challengeaccepted #personaldevelopment #mentalstrength #meaningfulwork #inspiration #selfgrowth #innerstrength #hardtimes #keepgoing #mentalfitness #lifecoaching #selfbelief #sanjaykmohindroo
https://medium.com/@mohindroo.sanjay66/challenges-are-what-make-life-interesting-and-overcoming-them-is-what-makes-life-meaningful-2dd145b8d3fc

Discover how to 'Be Where Your Feet Are' with biblical wisdom and real-life stories! We explore faith, presence, and God's call. Are we truly listening? Find salvation and purpose today! #Faith #Inspiration #BiblicalTeachings #BeWhereYourFeetAre #Faith #Inspiration #BiblicalTeachings #Jesus #GodsCall #PresentMoment #Salvation #OvercomingObstacles #ChristianLiving

Join us in a moment of reflection at church as we explore a powerful biblical passage. Discover what Jesus is calling you to do, and how to overcome obstacles to fulfill God's purpose in your life. #Faith #Inspiration #BibleStudy #FaithJourney #JesusCalling #SpiritualGrowth #ActsOfTheApostles #ChurchService #ChristianLiving #OvercomingObstacles #GodsPurpose #InspirationalMessage

Monday motivation: Be like Ash from Weathervane's Revenge - turn toxic situations into your greatest strength! FREE on KU! https://a.co/d/cz6srG6

#MondayMotivation #OvercomingObstacles #InnerStrength

Caleb faced a tough moment during a basketball game but turned his disappointment into determination. Discover how he transformed his skills and earned the title of best defender at the end-of-year banquet, proving that setbacks can be the catalyst for success. #BasketballJourney #OvercomingObstacles #YouthSports #PlayerDevelopment #Inspiration #Teamwork #Resilience #Sportsmanship #PersonalGrowth #CalebsStory

Join us as we explore how coaching can reveal our personal challenges. Discover the importance of embracing struggles as growth opportunities and learn how to shift our mindset with God's guidance. It's time to transform self-doubt into strength! #CoachingJourney #StrengthInStruggles #PersonalGrowth #FaithAndCoaching #MindsetShift #OvercomingObstacles #SpiritualGrowth #TemptationVsStruggle #LifeLessons #GodsGuidance

We explore how the devil often strikes during our lowest moments, but those times can also reveal our greatest strengths. Discover the profound truth behind Jesus' victory on the cross and how it empowers us in our struggles. #DefeatingDevil #StrengthInWeakness #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingObstacles #FaithInChallenges #VictoryInChrist #MomentOfTruth #InspirationalFaith #Resilience #SpiritualJourney

Lessons from Joseph: Navigating Life’s Highs and Lows

Join us as we explore the inspiring story of Joseph from Genesis. Discover how his journey reflects our own struggles and triumphs, showing us that while life can throw challenges our way, resilience and perspective can guide us through. #JosephsStory #OldTestamentLessons #LifeLessons #OvercomingObstacles #Inspiration #BiblicalWisdom #Resilience #FaithJourney #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualReflection

Joseph's Journey: Doing the Right Thing Amidst Punishment

Explore the challenges Joseph faced while doing the right thing, reflecting our own life journeys. Discover how making the right choices doesn't always lead to perfect outcomes and learn valuable lessons from his experiences. #LifeLessons #JosephsJourney #RightChoices #OvercomingObstacles #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #FaithAndResilience #CharacterBuilding #LifeChallenges #Motivation

Grow Through Hard Times: Find Your Divine Purpose

Discover how to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. By following His way and supporting others, we not only uplift ourselves but also create a positive impact. Trust in God’s guidance and embrace your journey with purpose. #DivinePurpose #GrowthMindset #TrustInGod #LifeChallenges #Inspiration #HelpingOthers #SpiritualJourney #Faith #GoldenRule #OvercomingObstacles

How I Overcame a Gift Card Scam and Grew

We share a personal story about overcoming a painful scam experience with gift cards. Discover how we learned important lessons from our mistakes and turned adversity into personal growth. Don't let setbacks define you; empower yourself to rise above! #ScamAwareness #PersonalGrowth #LifeLessons #OvercomingObstacles #GiftCardScam #Motivation #Empowerment #SelfImprovement #Resilience #GrowthMindset

Guidance on overcoming adversity and setbacks in your meditation practice, along with the self-disappointment that often follows. #zen #zenmaster #dharma #mind #meditation #overcomingobstacles https://youtube.com/shorts/8DDuImpMSwk

Eliminate These 7 Toxic Habits to Unleash Your Best Self | Stoic Philosophy #StoicHabits, #SelfImprovement, #OvercomingObstacles, #MindsetShift, #PersonalGrowth ⏩ https://tinyurl.com/33bk6xen

Transform Your Pain into Power Today #StoicWisdom, #TransformPain, #PersonalGrowth, #Resilience, #EmbraceChange, #OvercomingObstacles, #InnerStrength, #Philosophy, #SelfImprovement ⏩ https://tinyurl.com/bdz33fud

Overcoming Burnout: A Tech Grad’s Journey to Reclaiming Success

Struggling to find success after a prestigious software development bootcamp, I feel lost in a non-tech job, battling exhaustion and self-doubt. Despite efforts to build good habits, I still feel stuck. Determined to reclaim my tech dreams, I commit to a digital detox and a mental overhaul, ready to face the uphill climb ahead. #overcomingobstacles #burnout #selfimprovement.

https://rsoemardja.com/2024/08/02/overcoming-burnout-a-tech-grads-journey-to-reclaiming-success/

Stoic Resilience: 6 Quotes to Turn Pain into Power #StoicResilience #PaintoPower #MarcusAurelius #Epictetus #Seneca #StoicWisdom #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Resilience #OvercomingObstacles #Stoicism ⏩ Full Article: https://tinyurl.com/3n5xmxyv

Navigating Life’s Challenges: The Tree Blog
https://wp.me/p84YjG-3J2
#LifeLessons #OvercomingObstacles #MovingForward #PersonalGrowth #zsoltzsemba #motivation #learning #selfhelp #inspiration #mentalhealth #trauma #PersonalGrowth #LifeChallenges

http://zsoltzsemba.com/2024/03/16/lessons-from-the-tree-blog-%f0%9f%8c%b3/

Growth Doesn't Come From Safe Havens; It Sprouts in the Trenches of Adversity. #LessonsInStruggle #AdversityBuilds #TrenchesToTriumphs #OvercomingObstacles #RiseFromTheDeep #FromStruggleToStrength #GrowAgainstOdds

Growth Doesn't Come From Safe Havens; It Sprouts in the Trenches of Adversity. #LessonsInStruggle #AdversityBuilds #TrenchesToTriumphs #OvercomingObstacles #RiseFromTheDeep #FromStruggleToStrength #GrowAgainstOdds

The Biggest Challenge Is Not the Pitcher or the Opposing Team, but the Little Voice in Your Head That Says You Can't Do It. Silence That Voice, and You'll Be Unstoppable. #mentalgame #overcomingobstacles #unstoppablemindset

Your Self Growth Journey Requires Shedding Beliefs That Hold You Back. #PersonalDevelopment #EmbracingGrowth #OvercomingObstacles #SelfDiscovery #PositiveMindset #LimitlessPossibilities

Consider That Every Challenge You Encounter Is Sculpting You into the Person Who Can Handle What You've Been Yearning For. #StrengthThroughAdversity #SculptingYourself #OvercomingObstacles #ResilienceBuilding #RiseAboveChallenges #EmbraceTheStruggle #UnleashYourPotential

I was so excited to post my #introduction, I forgot to include any hashtags. Let's try this again.

Hey there! I'm a midwesterner who writes about #mindset, #personaldevelopment, #self-help, #learning, #neuralpathways, and #overcomingObstacles.

And I balance all that drive with #gardening, #hiking with my awesome #dog, and dancing in my living room.

Would love to meet some new awesome people! #FollowBackFriday

“I used to resent obstacles along the path, thinking, ‘If only that hadn’t happened, life would be so good.’

Then I suddenly realized, life is the obstacles. There is no underlying path.”

— Janna Levin

Janna Levin on Extra Dimensions, Time Travel, and How to Overcome Boots in the Face (#445)

#quote #stoicism #overcomingobstacles
https://tim.blog/2020/07/08/janna-levin/