Just...Row!

I love inspirational quotes. Quotes can say the most in the least number of words.

Some quotes are so meaningful they can become the foundation of a life perspective. Like "Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, faith looks up". And here’s one I have used as an excuse for my obsession with unconventional problem solving - “Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the one doing it”.

There was a time when I had quotes all over my kitchen walls. I recall one in particular over the back door that proclaimed, "When there is no wind, row." Six-little words that speak volumes and reminds us to refresh our attitudes every time we walk out into the world.

This quote tells us to remember what the real goal is, in this life. It doesn't mention blaming the weatherman because there isn't any wind. It doesn't say to sit and whine about rotten luck and the injustice and unequal divisions of wealth that allows for some to crank up their yachts and cruise past others stranded in their dinghies.

Nope. It simply says "row" and admonishes us to, do not give up - do what needs to be done to get to shore.

I have no human explanation or rationale for why some folks seem to live in a bubble of grace and others are subjected to torture. Sometimes I get a clear glimpse of the reality that one person's strife can be another person's opportunity to overcome. I also note that just because it looks like someone is sailing easily through life does not mean there aren't things hidden in the stormy backstory that we know nothing about.

I conclude it is complex and maybe has something to do with free will?

Here's another good quote -

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

One last thought - When we are on the upside of being okay and we see others who aren't, is this not an opportunity to pray for those and maybe that response to the call gives us the opportunity to participate in the Grand Plan?

My new creative hobby gives me opportunity to take words and make them into lyrics and then with the help of SUNOai, i end up with a musical composition.

On the topic of - when there is no wind - I came up with this. :-)

I Row © Meema Fields 2025

Listen

[Verse]

It's always darkest before the dawn

pain gets worse before it's gone

we learn tough lessons one by one

and wonder when will it be done

[Chorus]

when the world is way too heavy

when fear so dark I cannot see

since I can't know what I don't know

when there is no wind to help me

I pray I believe then I row

[Verse 2]

Sometimes it feels I don't belong

wayfairing stranger with no song

just a long forgotten notion

just a teardrop in the ocean

[Chorus]

when the world is just too heavy

when fear so dark I cannot see

since I can't know what I don't know

when there is no wind to help me

I pray, I believe and I row

[Bridge]

I may be least of the least

someone the world can't see

but when there is no wind to help me

the reason why I may not know

but I pray and I believe and I row

[Chorus]

when the world's just too heavy

when fear is so dark I cannot see

since I can't know what I don't know

when there is no wind to help me

I pray, I believe and then I row