Keep Coming Back!
Karen and Jay share thoughts on the power of resilience – overcoming adversity, bouncing back and achieving success!
We start our journey with energy, enthusiasm and excitement for the success we hope to achieve. Inevitably, however, we encounter adversity along the way. Perhaps challenges we never expected. We get weary, sometimes exhausted. Yet, these are the critical moments that provide the opportunity to achieve uncommon success. To draw upon our resilience – our unique power deep within our soul – to find the optimism, the energy and the strength – to face our challenges, to overcome adversity, bounce back and achieve success.
In essence, resilience allows us to transform our challenges into opportunities for growth. It is essential in navigating the complexities of life, as setbacks are inevitable whether in personal, academic, or professional arenas. This relentless spirit not only enables us to endure hardships but also empowers them to emerge stronger and more focused on their goals.
One of the most notable examples of resilience is the journey of Thomas Edison, who is famous for his inventions, including the light bulb. Edison's journey was far from smooth; he faced countless failures and rejections throughout his career. In fact, he famously stated that he had not failed but instead found 10,000 ways that won’t work. Rather than giving up, Edison viewed failures as learning opportunities. This unwavering commitment to his vision eventually led him to success, making him a testament to the idea that resilience is critical in achieving one’s goals, no matter how daunting the path may be.
In contemporary American culture, the story of J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, resonates deeply with many. Before her worldwide success, Rowling was a single mother living on welfare, facing numerous rejections from publishers. Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges, she persevered, continuing to refine her manuscript and believing in her story’s potential. Rowling’s journey from struggling writer to beloved author illustrates how resilience and the ability to course-correct can lead to remarkable success, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Resilience is also evident in the realm of sports, where athletes frequently encounter injuries, defeats, and intense pressures. Take the example of Michael Jordan, often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. Early in his career, Jordan faced rejection and was cut from his high school basketball team. Instead of succumbing to this setback, he used it as motivation to improve his skills. His relentless work ethic and ability to adapt propelled him to a legendary career, proving that resilience is a key ingredient in the recipe for success.
These stories collectively highlight that, irrespective of the challenges faced, the power of resilience can drive each and every one of us toward achieving their dreams and overcoming adversity on our journey to success. Keep coming back!
Resilience Through Restoration: Revitalizing New Hampshire’s Historic Buildings for Modern Growth
Here’s a great and epic story of resilience that we can see in the structures around us – right here in the Granite State. New Hampshire’s historical buildings have undergone significant transformations, balancing the preservation of history with modern needs for jobs, housing, and community spaces. This transformation is evident in sites like Manchester’s textile mills, the Colonial Theatre in Laconia, the Newport Opera House, and the Ruger Mill in Newport.
The textile mills of Manchester, once the heart of the Industrial Revolution, played a crucial role in the city’s growth. By the early 20th century, these massive brick buildings had fallen into disuse as the textile industry declined. However, in recent decades, they’ve been repurposed for modern use. One of the most notable examples is the Amoskeag Mills, which now house office spaces, apartments, and restaurants. This adaptive reuse has helped to revitalize downtown Manchester, creating jobs in the tech and service sectors while preserving the city’s industrial heritage. The redevelopment of the mills has also provided much-needed housing, catering to Manchester's growing population and demand for affordable living spaces.
The Colonial Theatre in Laconia, originally opened in 1914, had fallen into disrepair by the late 20th century. In recent years, a community-driven effort restored the theatre to its former glory, and it reopened as a cultural hub. Today, the Colonial Theatre hosts live performances, movies, and community events, boosting tourism and providing jobs in the arts and hospitality industries.
Similarly, the Newport Opera House, built in 1886, has undergone restorations that have allowed it to continue serving as a vital community center. The building, which has hosted everything from vaudeville shows to town meetings, now accommodates a variety of performances and events, contributing to the local economy by drawing visitors and supporting jobs in event management and tourism. Its rebirth has been a great celebration for the Sunshine Initiative!
The ‘Old Ruger Mill’ – also in Newport, originally part of the town’s manufacturing backbone, has also seen a shift in purpose. As the need for traditional manufacturing has declined, this historic building has been repurposed – now in the process of becoming a beautiful residential building – with apartments near the downtown area, overlooking the river – and woven into the fabric of the community.
A member of the Sunshine family has an office in the beautiful and historic Beacon Building on Elm Street in downtown Manchester. The Beacon Building in Manchester, NH, once a symbol of the city’s vibrant past, has been beautifully restored, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of historic architecture. Originally built in the early 20th century, the Beacon stood as a testament to Manchester’s industrial strength, but like many buildings of its era, it fell into disrepair over time. Thanks to previous restoration efforts and wonderful upkeep by the Lawrence family - who are the current owners, the building has been given new life, blending its historic charm with modern amenities.
These transformations reflect New Hampshire’s broader trend of adapting historical structures to meet contemporary demands. By finding new uses for old buildings, communities have preserved their heritage while supporting economic growth, job creation, and housing needs - something that the American Sunshine Movement helps focus on in communities.
New Hampshire: A Legacy of Resilience - Shaped by Nature, History and Entrepreneurial Spirit
There is a great Daniel Webster quote – that is meant to illustrate the gritty, resilient nature of the New Hampshire character by making reference to the Old Man of the Mountains – formerly profiled in the granite of the White Mountains.
“Men hang out their signs indicative of their respective trades; shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men.”— Daniel Webster
He was referring to a natural stone formation on the side of Cannon Mountain known as The Old Man of the Mountain. This profile of a man’s face played a role in Native folklore for several thousand years and became an iconic part of New Hampshire. Webster’s quote suggested that the mountains and forests of New Hampshire are where strong people are born and raised.
The structure began to crack and required repairs to stay intact, starting in the 1920s. Eventually, it collapsed completely in 2003. The decades of repairs simply weren’t enough, and it was a major blow to those of us who grew up in New Hampshire, believing he would always be there. Still, we are a resilient group of people. It’s here that God makes men.
When you look at our largest city, Manchester, you see a history of resilience. In the mid-1800s, Levi Strauss sourced the cotton material for their first blue jeans from the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. Whether you’re talking about the Pandora sweater factory or the various shoe manufacturers, Manchester was the manufacturing capital of the world. Between the Great Depression and the Great Flood of 1936, the city was practically wiped out by the late 1930s. However, with World War II, manufacturing returned, albeit in new industries. By the late 1970s, a new decline began downtown, but once again, it turned around in the 1980s. In 1992, the City Hall Plaza building was built, and to this date, it is still the tallest building in both New Hampshire and northern New England. Today, technology and even biotech companies, including one run by Segway founder Dean Kamen, are spearheading the latest resurgence of the city.
Other once-thriving mill cities, such as Franklin, have also begun their renaissance. With renovated mill buildings, a revitalized main street, and a whitewater park, the Three Rivers City is a city on the move. Laconia, Rochester, and other cities and towns all have great stories of resilience as well.
One town that not only embodies resiliency in New Hampshire but is truly the inspiration for the Sunshine Initiative and Sunshine Report is Newport, NH. A couple of little-known facts are that the American concept of Thanksgiving was actually not created only at Plymouth Plantation, but also in a different way, in Newport, and "Mary Had A Little Lamb" was written by a Newport native as well.
In the past few years, many initiatives have started to turn this town around. The resilience of the people and their desire to make their town better, inspired in part by the Sunshine Initiative, have led to a great deal of positive improvement. In no particular order: a new dog park, a renovated opera house, a brand-new community center, a multi-million-dollar enhancement of the high school technical center, an old mill building converted into beautiful apartments, other new housing initiatives, a private group buying and fixing up the golf course, and several other projects either completed or at least started.
Looking back at the COVID-19 pandemic, many areas of the country were hit hard economically. Other major events throughout history have impacted some areas more than others. For New Hampshire, it has been a different story. We are the place that "God makes men." Anyone who has been through a winter here knows the challenge that entails. It’s not simply about cleaning up snow and ice from the driveway; it can be a challenge to travel anywhere. You can lose electricity and/or heat. Many people heat their homes with wood, which is one of the many ways life can be challenging here. Life in New Hampshire can certainly be an adventure—and not always a fun one.
Robert Frost wrote several poems that mentioned the forest, none more famous than "The Road Not Taken." He always used nature as a metaphor for something with deeper meaning. When his prose went into the yellow wood, where in leaves no foot had trodden black, he was referring to doing what was more difficult because of the better outcome. Giving up is always an option, but not one that real Granite Staters are likely to choose. We are a hearty bunch. A resilient group of people who choose to do things, as JFK would say, “not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.”
As we move forward, with our cities and towns becoming better than they have been in recent history, and eventually better than in history altogether, we will show the rest of the nation what resilience looks like. That is the New Hampshire way.
Positive Profile of the Week: "Joe Kelly Levasseur: A Journey of Resilience in Law, Business, and Public Service"
This week we are delighted to highlight a great leader in the Granite State who has achieved remarkable success – through determination, persistence – and above all, resilience – Joe Kelly Levasseur.
Joe is a well-known figure in Manchester, New Hampshire, recognized for his resilience and diverse career as an attorney, businessman, and politician. Despite a humble upbringing, Levasseur’s journey is a testament to his ability to overcome challenges and maintain a strong presence in both the legal and political arenas.
Starting as a local business owner, Levasseur demonstrated perseverance by building his restaurant from the ground up, making it a beloved establishment in the community. This success ignited his passion for public service, leading him to pursue a career in law and politics.
As a city alderman, Levasseur has faced criticism and adversity but has consistently shown resilience. Known for his outspoken nature, he often challenges the status quo, advocating for what he believes is right. Even when facing political setbacks and controversies, Levasseur has always bounced back, reaffirming his commitment to serving the community.
His resilience shines through in his legal battles, where he’s taken on high-profile cases, sometimes even representing himself. Balancing his business, legal, and political roles underscores his adaptability and dedication.
Positive Quote of the Week: Resilience
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston S. Churchill
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