“Rosie the Riveter” was an iconic poster of a female factory worker flexing her muscle, urging other women to join the World War II effort with the declaration that “We Can Do It!” The poster was aimed at boosting morale among workers in the World War II factories.

I’ll be honest, there are days when I wish someone would step in and do my work for me – physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I find there are days that are still exhausting. And then I’m reminded – because it’s happened numerous times before in my life – that when my back is up against the wall and I feel like I’ve got nothing left, I tap into that endurance, keep going, and the next door of life opens before me.

I remember my grandmother Hill saying “pull yourself up by the bootstraps and keep going.” As we continue to ramp up vaccines and see more businesses opening, there is a real need for endurance. You’ll need to dig deeper than you ever thought possible, stay focused and have confidence in the future ahead. We are going toward the light, but each of us has to do our work.

How you continue to move forward may feel wobbly some days – if not every moment. Everything has changed. While you are moving toward the light, you are still being asked to do your work. Self-care, love, an abundance of compassion and empathy.

I’ve got my rose colored glasses on again with the glass half-full feeling. Blending the pain and the challenges with the beauty, love and hope I see around me.

You can do this. I have deep faith in your endurance.

We can do this.

We will rise once again with a love and respect for all people.

I know Rosie would be proud.