Like Others Before You

By Walt F.J. Goodridge

Special to the Saipan Tribune
Originally published: Wednesday, October 17, 2007


The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion!


Today's column is a double dose of inspiration to get you through the challenging times.

1. Like Others Before You

Some have tripped and fallen
but arose to walk the path
Some have faced the gauntlet
and survived the pelters’ wrath

Some have reeled from punches
but bounced back to win the fight
Some have walked through darkness
and emerged bathed in the light

Some have lived in exile
with their faith their only friend
Some have faced destruction
but have triumphed in the end

Some have withstood trials
that most average men would fail
Some have beaten hopeless odds
o’er which none should prevail

Some have conquered illness
with naught but their inner will
Some have kept their winner’s smile
despite life’s bitter pill

So when you find you’re grieving
over life’s unbalanced scale
Think of those who’ve been through worse.
and lived to tell the tale!

COMMENTARY:

Feeling sorry for yourself
for all you’re going through?
This too and much more I've endured
and so, my friend, can you!

Let the solace come from knowing that it is the human will to survive and prosper that has helped others before you meet their trials and overcome them. Know too that you possess that same potential to overcome anything that befalls you no matter how small or large.

2. There’s Still Road Ahead

The journey has not ended
although some have gone away
the road ahead still calls us
one foot forward every day

The mountain is still looming
although some have stopped their climb
still more peaks for us to conquer
reach for each one at a time

The marathon’s not over
though there’re some who won’t be back
find a partner you can run with
bit by bit take up the slack

There’s a void of dreams and visions
left by those who’ve taken flight
so whatever task befalls you
take the time to do it right

Just as birds fly in formation
all involved must do their part
gain your strength from those around you
flap your wings... and don’t lose heart.

COMMENTARY:

Ever notice birds flying in V formation? Researchers discovered that in that formation, each beating of a bird’s wing provides a boost of air that gives an extra lift for each bird in the group and helps them fly up to 70 percent farther than if alone. Each one has a part to play in the success of all.

There is still a job to do. None is too small. No task is too insignificant. Every part of the puzzle contributes to the whole. Children still need to be taught. Floors still need to be swept. Do not be deterred in achieving the vision of who you wish to be. It is still a part of the progress of the whole. The collective advances one individual at a time. Do not be afraid to laugh. Do not be afraid to sing. Do not be afraid to dream. Do not be afraid to soar.

There must and will be an "after" to this "now". But what lies beyond exists first as an idea in the mind of he or she who is brave enough to conceive it, believe it, and achieve it.

All Life Rhymes © Walt F.J. Goodridge

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Until next time, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!-Walt



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