Even though we are recently reminded that Columbus’s voyages opened the way for colonization, disease, enslavement, and violence against Indigenous populations, we can also remember that this voyager had a good side. This makes Columbus Day a time for anyone to draw personal inspiration from historical figures and press forward against the odds.
Columbus spent years lobbying European courts for funding after being dismissed or rejected. As we learned in early childhood education, during his 1492 voyage, his crew grew restless and nearly mutinous as the journey stretched longer than expected. Who could blame them? Regardless, he kept his crew going with a combination of authority, faith in his vision, and the promise of land soon. This holiday was founded to highlight the qualities — courage, vision, fortitude, and determination — as the foundation of the Age of Exploration and, later, the settlement that led to the United States.
Even though most of us have our own plights in life, we aren’t facing the fear of navigating uncharted waters to unknown lands, day after day, with a mutinous crew. Even if it feels that way at times, we know where we are and how to reach our destinations. We all have the ability to draw on the deeper waters within to guide us through the scary or uncertain times life can bring. Eventually, we will glimpse the horizon and be glad we kept the faith.
It’s the challenges in life that make or break our character. When we stand tall against the waves, the wind, and the naysayers, we are turning a dream into reality. With perseverance, determination, and faith, we can all reach the stars.
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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