The real act of discovery consists not in finding new lands but in seeing with new eyes. The only adventure that is doomed from the start is the one we do not attempt. ~ Paul-Emile Victor
NOTE: I read the news online. I read where people see life with the same lens that they have been viewing it for years. The result is tumult and tragedy. When we see life with new eyes we dare to see what is possible. Robert Kennedy said, “There are those that peace-filled future with a sustainable environment is possible when we dare to see with new eyes and set out with hope as our guide and a deep abiding faith that we will succeed.
To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your path, and don’t worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest. Always do what you are afraid to do. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
NOTE: It takes courage to follow one’s path. Following one’s path often means stepping away from the path that others craft for us. The indoctrination to the path starts early in life and the child comes to believe as he/she matures that the path is his/her destiny. In reality, there may be a different path that is calling. It takes lots of searching, mistakes, and missteps before one can find his/her true path. When we dare to walk in the darkness and search for our path, our heart lights the way. You’ll know it when you find it.
In Episode 48 of my Podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing, I meet with M to talk about getting through Christmas. M shared a great metaphor with me that pointed me in the right direction. Celebrating Christmas without Babe wasn’t going to be easy, but I was going to give it my best shot.
You can listen to Episode 48 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 48.
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NOTE: Those who let fear capture their hearts surrender their freedom to autocrats who view themselves as people who alone can lead in the darkness. The fear controlled people exist but never live. They are fearful of leaving the safety of their confines to take life’s challenge to move toward adventure and discovery. Those who master their fears are explorers, discoverers, and willing to risk walking into the unknown. They hold their freedom close to their hearts will not surrender it.
NOTE: Life’s not easy. It takes heaps of courage to stay the course, accept responsibility, and never quit. I often think of my mom and dad as heroes. They were uneducated and poor, yet I never felt poor. They didn’t talk about their poverty. We worked as a family to grow a large garden. We walked and took public transportation until I was in sixth grade and they could afford a car. Even though I grew up in a tenement building next to factories and the railroad tracks, the four room cold water flat seemed like a mansion to me. There was love and always the smell of sauce or pasta fazool cooking. They did what they had to do day after day so the family would survive. That’s often all it takes to be a hero, taking responsibility and doing what you have to do.
You have two choices. you can keep running and hiding and blaming the world for your problems, or you can stand up for yourself and decide to be somebody important.
NOTE: Jesse Owens, a graduate of The Ohio State University, competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Owens, a black man, represented the U.S. in four events, the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4 x 100 relay, and the long jump. Owens won a gold medal in each event. Through dedication, hard work, and discipline he took advantage of his chance. We all get opportunities. They may not be participating in the Olympics, but they are opportunities. Are you willing to put in the effort, dedication and discipline required so that you are ready for your chance when it presents itself?
