I grew up loving two writers: Albert Payson Terhune and Carolyn Keene. Both of these authors influenced my outlook and values in life. Mister Terhune authored the famous “collie books” and inspired my love of dogs. Mrs. Keene bestowed upon me worthy role models through the characters in her books who were courageous and undeterred. At the age of 81, I happily attribute my zest for life to these two authors, an adoring father, two beloved uncles, and my maternal grandfather, whose best friend as a boy, was Carl Sandberg. Add to all of this influence a considerable fearlessness and here I am. Slowly but surely Covid-19 will concede a dastardly victory and life will struggle to once again maintain our schemes and our dreams.
It is the combination of schemes and dreams that determines our path through life. Indeed, to have a life is dependent upon them. No one wants to be battered by ill winds, ending up at the mercy of chance. No – we want a say in what we are bound to accept as fate. If a particular event causes us to face the “hour of our discontent” then why is that and it better be good. As human beings, we do not have to “settle” and/or simply “accept”. We can create, even demand, that which will make our dreams come close enough to touch. We can choose not to give in or give up. We can decide to fight rather than run.
We can make our days, months, and years count in so many different and positive ways. The wisest among us know to adjust not bury desires. We look squarely on and assess realistically. There is no selling short here. Instead, we focus with courage and conviction on life. There is no flinching. Life is a gift but one that must be fought for. We do not need the approval of bystanders for we are not “standing by”. We are trusting our judgement – a judgement possibly born in us or learned from parents who were supportive and took heart from our independence.
This is not a selfish act. It only becomes so in the eyes of those people who lack the courage and the foresight involved in being responsible for one’s self. Each of us has a mind and a body. Look in the mirror. Are you fit? No? Then change what you are eating. Is your outlook on life not what it should be? Then fix it! Self help is not a fantasy. It does work and it takes work. Make the changes that only you can make. It doesn’t take super-human effort. It isn’t difficult. When you observe the change and the energy generated by having your own hands “on the wheel” and when the pure joy of self-worth sinks in – then you have it all. Make this the year that you meet your goals head on and unafraid. You got this!
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