Rise above

Kalpana Chawla was an American astronaut and the first woman of Indian origin in space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. In 2003, Mrs. Chawla was one of the seven crew members who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster when the craft disintegrated during its re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

She was a hero who spent her life working to achieve her dreams. And, she had some great advice.

She is the woman who once said, “There are so many people who are arguing or fighting over issues which don't have much relevance. We must all realize it is not worth it. It's like being in the whirlpools which are always present behind a little rock near a river. We seem to be living in these little whirlpools and forget that there is a whole river. The picture is much bigger.”

How right she was... The picture is so much bigger than our petty day-to-day arguments. We have young children to teach; a community to grow; and a world to conquer. There is no time to worry about the minor details. And, there certainly is no time to argue over issues that will take care of themselves tomorrow.

Mrs. Chawla assured us all “The path from dreams to success does exist.” She wished us all “the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”

You see, it doesn’t matter if you live in Osceola, Ar. or New York City or Paris, France, your dreams are attainable. The only thing stopping you is yourself. Rise above the insults... the arguments; know that you are better than that. Let no one stand in your way, especially yourself. Get control of your life by placing your worries in the hands of God and focus on the work at hand.

Rise above and know the picture is so much bigger.