Fortune cookies and their enigmatic messages have been already the subject around here, but it had been a while since a fortune cookie impressed me as much as the one which brought the following message: “The penetrating power of the wind is proportional to its constancy“.

I think the first thing I liked about this sentence was the fact that it sent my mind directly to the masterful interpretation of the song Wild is the Wind (Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington) by Nina Simone.

Unlike the well-known Brazilian saying: “Soft water on hard stone hits until it bores through” or its English equivalent “Little strokes fell big oakss”, in which the character of persistence can also be interpreted as stubbornness, the connection between the power of the wind and its constancy brings a completely different approach, after all, persisting is does not mean insisting.

I know the terms seem similar, but I interpret them differently. They way I understand it, while insistence often occurs despite the will of other (insisting on a subject/behaviour that your interlocutor does not want to talk about, for example), persistence has to do with a movement that transcends the object.

Insistence may involve a more forceful or demanding approach, often without considering the preferences or boundaries of others. It could be seen as a more narrow and inflexible behavior, whereas persistence is characterized by resilience and adaptability in the pursuit of a particular objective.

Persitence has to do with determination to achieve a specific goal, despite facing obstacles or challenges. It involves unwavering commitment and the ability to maintain focus on the desired outcome. It is a commitment to a particular path, a dedication to a set of values or goals.

Persistence is about fulfilling your destiny, (which reminds me of another inspired quote I read in a fortune cookie: “happiness is when your actions are in line with your thoughts”), and constancy is the measure of your persistence, in short, your strategy.

Being constant, in this context, involves the ability to withstand challenges and setbacks, to continue moving forward despite obstacles.In essence, constancy embodies a sense of resilience and determination that allows individuals to remain focused on their goals, even in the face of adversity.

Constancy is also about continually developing yourself on your ride towards the destination that makes sense to you. As you move forward “your thing”, you have the opportunity to evolve and refine your understanding, becoming more resilient and adaptable along the way.

Embracing constancy means embracing the continuous pursuit of improvement and self-discovery, allowing your journey to shape you as you strive towards your ultimate purpose. This involves dedicating yourself to consistent growth, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and facing challenges as opportunities for learning and development.

By cultivating resilience in the face of obstacles and setbacks, understanding that each experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to your personal evolution, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and potential, allowing your true essence to emerge and blossom.

Be seeing you!

G.F.