Wisdom from the Iron Lady

This past weekend we watched the acclaimed performance of Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady, the movie depicting Margaret Thatcher’s life.  As most of you probably know, the movie is a series of flashbacks from the Prime Minister’ life and her impact on history. Her life story is remarkable on many levels. I took away four quotations from the movie, which I believe to be applicable to each of our lives today, and wanted to share with my readers.

“You can rewind it, yet you can’t change it.”

Often when we look back on our lives, decisions, and choices; we think of how things may have been different if other paths had been taken. Other times when we reminisce we revel in the happy memories and joyous times. Regardless, the past is something from which to learn, grow, and often treasure. Yet, we cannot change anything which has happened, we can only steer our choices for the future.

“Steady, old girl.”

Dennis, Prime Minister Thatcher’s husband, would always whisper this in her ear when strong winds of adversity confronted her. Her resolve was unquestionable and became the anchor on which her country relied.  She dug deep. She found her core, her courage; and steadied herself and a nation through extremely challenging times.

“Life used to be about doing something; now it seems it is more about becoming someone.”

Prime Minister Thatcher’s ambition and stalwart intentions to make a difference are legendary. Yet, it has been accounted many times that her desire was not for personal fame; it was to foster real change according to her values and beliefs for her beloved Britain.  This particular quotation struck me. I actually believe when we focus on making a difference and we tie our efforts to a purpose greater than ourselves, we reveal our true selves, and realize we already are ‘someone’.

“Everyone asks about how I feel; no one is asking about what I think. We become what we think about. You see: thoughts become words; words become actions; actions become habits; habits become our character and our character determines our destiny.”

Her character is undeniable and her destiny has certainly been secured. We each have that same opportunity for our lives.