Do, or Do Not

I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a Star Wars fan. I can, however, be counted on to sit dutifully in the theater with my husband for any new Star Wars flick.

Once.

I don’t need to “fully understand” the history of Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader – son of Shmi and Bendek Starkiller, father to Luke and Leia Skywalker, husband to Queen Amidala and serious asthmatic). I don’t need to visit websites that will provide my Sith name in just a few, simple keystrokes (Darth Trepid). I don’t need to know that Yoda’s home galaxy is Dagobah.

Ah…but Yoda, the verbally dyslexic purveyor of precious pearls of profundity. I must admit I am a Yoda fan. Of one particular jewel he bestows upon a young Luke Skywalker I am especially fond: “Do, or do not. There is no try.” Young Skywalker did not believe in his ability to utilize the full power of the Force to lift his X-wing fighter from the depths of a swamp. He did not believe in himself. Yoda was scolding him after he said, “I’ll try.”

Throughout my life, I have found that many years have been wasted “trying” to be a better mother, or wife, “trying” to be a successful dieter, or “trying” to be a published writer. I have spent countless hours convincing myself that I am trying. However, the truth is right there, staring me in the face. Yoda said it. There is no “try”. I have lost faith in myself.

Is it really as simple as believing? Can the answer to our challenges in life lie in that simple truth? If a problem arises, is the solution to simply do what needs to be done to conquer it. It just seems too easy, and yet, incontrovertible.

The difference between trying, and doing, is action. Trying is passive. Doing is an active effort. If a pen falls on the floor, I don’t try to pick it up, I just…pick it up. This is such a powerful lesson for me that I printed the quote in 124pt font and taped it up all along my workspace. Now I am reminded, every time I fall back on my “I’m trying” crutch, that there is no such thing. I must do, or not.

To Jedi-Master Yoda, grateful, I am. I have a renewed sense of belief in myself. I am enthusiastically finding ways to do the things I have hoped for in my life. I am working to make my successes actual, rather than wished for. I feel invigorated for the challenges that I’ll inevitably face.

All of this self-discovery has resulted from seeing a Star Wars movie. Don’t tell my husband.