This week Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords retired from the U.S. Congress. Despite her significant recovery from life threatening injuries after a random attack last year, she made a decision to return to Arizona for continued healing and restoration.
Her tenacity to persevere was an inspiration for so many people. She certainly inspired me. Since the beginning of her recovery process, she has been on a quest to bounce back. In the midst of it all, she is still gave back to others and her constituents.
Despite her ailments, she found the courage to learn how to speak and walk again. With physical and speech therapy she has made great strides and still has more progress ahead. But, it was not just triumph over debilitating ailments. On the contrary, it was her inner courage to keep on going despite the odds that makes us marvel.
In the midst of her own personal struggle, she still has found time and energy to honor other victims and survivors from that fateful January day. She put aside her own challenges and fears. Her measured words acknowledge those who courageously stepped up that day to help others. Her passionate thoughts reflect about those who did not survive.
Above all, her recovery and graceful resignation brought momentary unity to the dysfunction that thwarts Washington lawmakers. She was willingly celebrated by her congressional colleagues, regardless of partisanship. Her triumph has brought together collective support acknowledging her wisdom and fortitude.
Would it not be a tremendous feat if we had more leaders who worry less about their vulnerability and more about showing inner courage? It is high time for us all to take notes from Giffords’ dynamic inspiration to overcome and give back at the same time.
Dawn McCoy
author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
