By Bertha Calloway
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." This Bertha Calloway quote about resilience offers an honest yet hopeful perspective that strikes a chord during uncertain times. Life rarely unfolds exactly as planned, but this succinct statement hints at a key to inner strength. Whether you are facing small frustrations or major turning points, its wisdom delivers both comfort and direction. The practical and emotional relevance of these words can light a path forward even when external conditions feel beyond your control.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At its heart, this quote presents a vivid image: a sailor at sea, confronted with winds that are unpredictable and unmanageable. The "wind" stands for the many external forces in life that we simply cannot control—circumstances, other people's actions, or unexpected events. Trying to change the wind is futile. In literal terms, it is impossible to change which direction the wind blows. Sailing involves accepting this truth.
Yet, the momentous insight in Bertha Calloway's words lies in what comes next: we do have the power to "adjust the sails." Adjusting the sails means making choices, adapting, and using what you can control—even if it's not much—to guide your life in the best direction possible. The focus keyword, Bertha Calloway quote about resilience, describes such a perspective beautifully. Resilience is not about overpowering obstacles but about adapting creatively and confidently to whatever comes.
On a deeper level, this quote is not only about circumstance but also about agency. You are not powerless in the face of adversity. While you do not get to choose every challenge, you do get to decide your approach. Adjusting your sails is an active choice: it's how you shift your mindset, habits, or strategies to maximize your progress, even when things are tough.
The real power of this idea is its optimism. There will always be things you cannot change, but there will always be things you can. The invitation, then, is not to fight the wind, but to work with it—faithfully adjusting, learning, and moving forward with whatever tools are in hand.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Respond, Don't React
Life throws curveballs: an unexpected job change, a health scare, or even a traffic jam on an important day. When the winds of life shift, pause and choose how to respond instead of reacting in frustration. Maybe you take a new route, seek help, or shift your schedule. This approach embodies the essence of the Bertha Calloway quote about resilience—you do not control the wind, but you do have the wheel.
2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Rather than seeing setbacks as failures, view them as challenges to grow through. If a project at work falls apart or a personal goal slips out of reach, adjust your expectations and strategies. Think, "What can I learn? How can I pivot?" Being flexible in your thoughts and actions is the practical side of adjusting your sails.
3. Focus Where Your Power Lies
Divide your energy between what you can and cannot control. Letting go of uncontrollable worries conserves mental energy for meaningful action. For example, you cannot prevent others from misunderstanding you, but you can communicate more clearly or set better boundaries. Concentrating on your choices builds resilience and promotes more satisfying outcomes.
4. Practice Emotional Self-Regulation
When strong emotions arise—anger, sadness, or anxiety—it is easy to feel swept away. Instead, use techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or talking with a trusted friend to reset. Managing your emotional sails keeps you moving toward your goals even in rough emotional waters.
5. Find Opportunity in Obstacles
Sometimes, an unwelcome change opens a new door. If an event is canceled or plans fall through, use the unexpected free time for something valuable—a forgotten hobby, meaningful rest, or connecting with someone special. Adjusting your sails may help you discover new directions that are even more rewarding than the original course.
✨ The Motivation Message
You hold more power than you think! Each setback or surprise is a chance to show your resilience and creativity. When the wind does not cooperate, you are not defeated—you are simply invited to shift and improvise. This is your moment to act, to adapt, and to find new ways forward. Yes, you can do this!
Remember, your attitude matters as much as any circumstance. If you focus on your ability to adjust, you will find strength you did not know you had. Every time life throws a challenge, answer it by adjusting your sails with courage and curiosity. This small but steady persistence is where true progress begins—even on the rockiest seas. Keep believing in yourself, stay flexible, and watch as new paths open up for you. You have what it takes—seize this moment and chart your own course! 🚀
About Bertha Calloway
Bertha Calloway, who was born in 1925 and died in 2017, was an American historian, museum founder, and lifelong advocate for sharing untold stories. She founded the Great Plains Black History Museum in Omaha, Nebraska—providing a vital space to celebrate African American heritage often left out of mainstream education. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to highlight resilience, community, and empowerment.
Bertha Calloway's worldview was deeply shaped by her understanding of history and the persistent challenges faced by marginalized voices. She knew that individuals could not always change the situations or systems around them, but they could respond with determination, resourcefulness, and dignity. This perspective shines through in her famous quote, which calls for personal adaptability amidst external events. The same resilient spirit she advocated for in historical storytelling comes alive each time someone chooses to adjust their sails, rather than surrender to the wind. Today, the Bertha Calloway quote about resilience stands as a lasting reminder that while the world is often beyond our control, our responses are always our own.
