Happy Valentine’s Day
Love
by Roy Croft
I love you not only for what you are,
but for what I am when I am with you.
I love you not only for what you have made
of yourself, but for what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out
I love you for putting your hand
into my heaped up heart and for passing over
all of the foolish things you can’t
help dimly seeing there,
and for drawing out into the light
all of the beautiful belongings
that no one else has looked quite
far enough to find.
I love you because you have
done more than any creed
could have done to make me good
and more than any fate could
have done to make me happy.
You have done it without a touch,
without a word, without a sign.
You have done it by being yourself -
Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.
If You’re Not In Charge Of Your Life, Then Who Is?
Isn’t it interesting that the one person we have the most control over is the same person we have the least confidence in-–ourselves?
You are responsible for your successes, not your mother or father, brother or sister, boss or co-worker. Only you can control how your future will end up. So give yourself a chance.
If taking control of your life seems like an inconceivable task, then borrow the confidence you need from someone you admire. Act as if you were that person, and pretty soon, people around you will start treating you differently. Along with the great response, you will start becoming that poised person.
When I decided I needed a career change, I had to borrow my confidence from my mentors who were already successful. By imitating them, learning what they did to get to where they are now, I can now share what I have learned with others.
Nothing builds confidence like learning and applying.
We all have a special talent or attribute that no one else has. It is up to us to find our gift and build it so big that it overshadows any shortcomings we may have. For example, I have discovered that I am a better listener than a talker, absorbing conversations like a sponge. By acknowledging that in myself, my self-esteem has risen and now I can speak to anyone.
How many of us, as children, dreamt of being average?
Very few. Who do we blame for invalidating our dreams? Parents, friends, or teachers? We can’t let the opinions of others become our reality. It’s not too late to change our way of thinking. The habits we learned on the way can be easily unlearned.
You must regain the passion for life that you once had as a child. It’s never too late to chase your dreams. I once thought that I was going live out my life in my familiar rut, until a friend said to me, “Give yourself a chance. Be somebody.”
If my friend had confidence in me, why shouldn’t I?
Making a conscious effort to be positive will bring positive action. With that action comes the confidence to stretch as a person. If you are stretching, you are growing. Become addicted to stretching.
The freedom that you will experience is unlike anything that you will experience in your life. Confident people are always growing. It still amazes me how I can attract, meet, and talk with Presidents and CEOs of major corporations. A few years ago, I would never have had the nerve to do such a thing. But I’ve learned that we are all the same. We all have the same fears. It’s just that some of us have fear but don’t let it have us.
The most dangerous thing you can do is stop growing. Keep reaching for the sky, because it is still the limit.
You can’t get out of life alive. Life was meant to be enjoyed. Live it to your fullest.
God Bless and have a great adventure.
Thanks to Tony Rodriguez for sharing his insights with us.
Jim
