Page 4 - SPBD Dec 2021

SPBD Fiji 2020 SPBD Fiji 2020

BUILDING RESILIENCE

A Message from Gregory Casagrande
Founder and Chief Executive Officer

2021 has been quite an extraordinary year. Last
year, Fiji fortunately ducked the first punch that
COVID threw at the world. But in 2021, the COVID
virus landed a solid blow to the people of Fiji.
What we have seen in the last six months is the
resilience of the Fijian people. There is indeed
now a light at the end of the tunnel as excellent
progress is being made in the fight against COVID
throughout Fiji.
And with that in the back of our minds, I’d like to
share with you a few thoughts about: Resilience, down; as long as you get right back up.”
creativity, and gratitude. For it is resilience that will We are unlikely to ever be physically hit and
keep us going. It is creativity that will enable us challenged the way that Ali was. But when we
to emerge even stronger. And it is with a grateful do get knocked down, we need to always find a
heart that we can maintain a positive and hopeful way, and the determination, to get back up and
attitude and move forward knowing that we are continue on.
still showered with God’s many blessings.
And so please keep these three great thoughts
And so here are a few thoughts on resilience. about resilience in mind as we all persevere

The first is from Helen Keller. Helen Keller, despite through these challenging times.
being completely deaf, dumb and blind from birth One way forward is by using our creativity. And so
managed to rise up and lead an extraordinary life I want to share with you a couple of thoughts from
overcoming obstacles that few will ever face. She two of history’s most-ever creative people.
said:
The first is from Thomas Edison. Edison is the
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. inventor of the electric light bulb, the phonograph
Only through the experience of trial and suffering and thousands of other items that have
can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired transformed the world. He is probably the world’s
and success achieved.” greatest-ever inventor.
And so look on these difficult times as an Edison said with regards to inventing anything
opportunity to build our characters. new:

The second quote is from Winston Churchill, the “There is a way to do it better – find it.”
former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom I love Edison’s attitude. With a creative mind, we
who helped Britain and the free world endure, can always find a better path forward. And so
persevere and ultimately win the difficult battles please apply that idea to your businesses. There is
against the Nazis in World War II. a better way to do it – Find it!

Churchill said: The second creativity quote comes from Walt
“Success is not final. Failure is fatal. It is the Disney. Disney needs no introduction and is
courage to continue that counts.” generally regarded as one of the world’s all-time
And so with that in mind I want you to always, find most creative people.
the courage within you to continue. Never quit. Disney said:
Never give up. “First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And

And that leads us very well to our third quote finally, dare.”
which is from Muhammad Ali, perhaps the all-time Disney followed that with another memorable
greatest boxer. quote:
Ali said: “The way to get started, is to quit talking and begin
“There is nothing wrong with getting knocked doing.”

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