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Writer's pictureKaren Noé

The Power of Willingness: Turning Challenges into Change

Last weekend, I had an experience that shook me—quite literally. A thick glass kitchen table shattered on my hand, and within moments, I was bleeding profusely. It was chaotic and terrifying. At the hospital, the doctors worked quickly, stitching up my hand and a few days later, performing surgery to repair a severed tendon so that I’d be able to move my fingers again.


Now, here I am in a cast for six weeks, unable to use my hand. Did you ever try typing with just one hand? Let me tell you—it’s not easy! I’ve been answering emails using voice-to-text on my phone and getting creative with what I can do. This whole ordeal has been inconvenient, yes, but also unexpectedly eye-opening.


Through this challenge, I’ve gained a new level of gratitude for the simple things I once took for granted: the ability to use my hands, to type freely, to cook, to tie my shoes. What’s more, it’s reminded me of the power of willingness—something I’ve been reflecting on a lot, especially after seeing a quote on Instagram today - "Sometimes it’s not the ability to do something, but it’s the willingness to get it done."


The Power of Willingness

This experience with my injury has taught me that willingness—not ability—is often what carries us through life’s challenges. Right now, I don’t have the ability to use my right hand, but I do have the willingness to figure things out. I’ve had to adapt and find new ways of doing even the most basic tasks.

And honestly? It’s frustrating. But each time I find a solution, I’m reminded that willingness opens doors where ability alone might falter.


Obstacles and Lessons Along the Way

Challenges, whether they’re physical like my injury or emotional like doubt and fear, often stop us in our tracks. But here’s what I’ve learned:

  1. Physical Obstacles: Having my hand out of commission has been a huge adjustment. Typing, cooking, even opening jars—it all takes twice as long now. But instead of focusing on what I can’t do, I’ve had to shift my mindset to what I can. Voice-to-text technology, supportive friends and family, and a good dose of patience have all helped me move forward.

  2. Mental Barriers: I’d be lying if I said I haven’t felt overwhelmed. The thought of six weeks like this felt impossible at first. But willingness helps me push through those mental blocks. It’s about taking one small step at a time and reminding myself that I will get through this.

  3. Gratitude in Adversity: Gratitude has become my lifeline. Losing the use of my hand, even temporarily, has made me realize how much I’ve taken for granted. Simple things, now feel like privileges I’ll never overlook again.


A Little Willingness Goes a Long Way

In A Course in Miracles, there is a profound teaching about “a little willingness.” It suggests that even the smallest step toward healing, love, or understanding is enough for the divine to work through us. We don’t need to have it all figured out; we just need to open the door a crack. That tiny spark of willingness can lead to transformation far beyond what we might imagine.


This idea has been my anchor lately. I might not have the ability to do everything perfectly right now, but with just a little willingness, I’ve found ways to adapt, heal, and even grow through this experience.


Creating Change in a Hopeless World

It’s easy to feel small and powerless in the face of the world’s challenges. Whether it’s personal struggles, national crises, or global issues, the weight of it all can make us feel like nothing we do matters. But that’s not true.


Every act of willingness to do something—no matter how small—creates ripples. Smiling at a stranger, showing kindness to someone in need, or taking a single step toward a cause you believe in can inspire change. Imagine the power of millions of people doing the same.


Now take that one step further: when groups of people unite with a shared goal of peace, love, unity, and the betterment of all mankind, the ripple effect becomes a wave. Movements are born. Change accelerates. History proves this time and time again—from civil rights to environmental advocacy—when individuals come together, the impossible becomes possible.


“We Are the Ones We’ve Been Looking For”

This saying echoes deeply in moments when the world seems to falter. It’s a reminder that the solutions we seek aren’t somewhere out there—they’re within us. We are the ones capable of creating miracles, even when things look hopeless. And when we join forces, our collective willingness amplifies into a powerful force for good.


So, if you’re feeling stuck or unsure of what you can do when everything feels hopeless, remember:

  • Start with willingness. Even the smallest step can be transformative.

  • Look for others who share your vision, because together, you can accomplish so much more.

The path toward peace, love, and unity begins with us—and when we walk it together, we are unstoppable. As I’ve learned in this season of one-handed emails and stitches, willingness might not make things easy—but it sure makes them possible. And together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.


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