Lessons from a Book Hunt

Have you ever faced a seemingly simple task that turned into an unexpected journey, testing your patience, resourcefulness, and determination?

It’s funny how a seemingly ordinary day can turn into a memorable adventure. I was living on Whidbey Island in Washington State in the late nineties while serving in the military. To get ahead, I took part-time college courses on base, including an English literature class. Our professor assigned us to read “The Lion and The Jewel,” write an essay, and prepare for a class discussion.

I didn’t have a copy of the book, so I set out to find one. This was the late ’90s, and without Amazon, finding a specific book was no small feat. Determined, I spent the entire day driving from Oak Harbor to Bellingham, a 45-minute trip, scouring every bookstore—Barnes and Noble, Dalton, Walden, even Scott’s in Mount Vernon—but I came up empty-handed.

Frustrated and exhausted, I returned to base, still bookless. Desperation drove me to call my professor and explain my predicament. Asking to borrow his copy felt awkward, but I had no other options. After a moment of hesitation, he suggested borrowing from a classmate, but I doubted anyone would part with their book given the assignment. Sensing my distress, he finally offered a solution: he would finish re-reading the book that afternoon, and I could pick it up in the evening.

Grateful, I arranged for my roommate to pick up the book from his house, as his family would be out for a birthday party. She retrieved it, and I managed to read it in time for the next class.

Reflecting on that day, it’s amusing how such a mundane task became a memorable ordeal. Thanks to my journal, the details of that stressful search and awkward phone call are preserved. Despite the frustration, I see now that I was persistent and resourceful, determined to find a solution no matter what. It’s a small but proud accomplishment, a reminder of my determination to succeed.

Soul Insights

1. Persistence Pays Off

There were moments during my search for “The Lion and The Jewel” when I felt like giving up. After driving for hours and scouring multiple bookstores, it seemed like a futile effort. But I kept pushing forward, and although I didn’t find the book in a store, my persistence led me to a creative solution. This experience taught me that persistence is often the key to overcoming obstacles. When you refuse to give up, you open the door to unexpected solutions.

2. Resourcefulness is a Valuable Skill

When traditional methods failed me, I had to think outside the box. My search for the book didn’t end at the last bookstore. I reached out to my professor, which wasn’t an easy step to take, but it was necessary. This situation reminded me that resourcefulness is about using all available resources, including people, to solve a problem. It’s a skill that has served me well in many other aspects of life.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Asking my professor for help was uncomfortable. I worried about seeming unprepared or incompetent. However, that phone call was crucial. It reminded me that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a practical step towards finding a solution. People are often more willing to help than we anticipate, and it can lead to positive outcomes.

4. Keep a Record of Your Experiences

If it weren’t for my journal, the details of that day might have faded into oblivion. Keeping a record of my experiences has been invaluable, not just for remembering events, but for reflecting on my growth. Writing down my thoughts and actions allows me to see patterns in my behavior, learn from my mistakes, and appreciate my accomplishments. It’s a practice I highly recommend.

5. Small Wins Are Worth Celebrating

Finally, this experience taught me the importance of celebrating small victories. Finding a way to read the book in time for my class was a small win, but it meant a lot to me. Acknowledging and celebrating these small successes boosts confidence and provides motivation for tackling larger challenges. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress worth recognizing.

These lessons, drawn from a seemingly simple task, have had a lasting impact on how I approach challenges. They remind me to stay persistent, be resourceful, seek help when needed, document my journey, and celebrate every victory along the way.

Soul Path Insights