Sitting among wisdom

Every morning after dropping my daughter off at school I end up at the gym about 25 minutes before my cardio class begins. During this time I sit in the lobby area where the senior citizens congregate. I love to hear them chuckling while drinking coffee and munching on pastries. They seem to be enjoying the simple things in life. I am always sure to carefully choose a seat that will not put me in a position to invade their space, but always in ears length of their wisdom.

I found that the golden souls (my nickname for seniors) could produce wisdom out of the most simplest situations. One particular day as I sat and intentionally eaves dropping, a group of seniors were engaged in a discussion about hard work. I was so excited about being apart of the air that shared that conversation.

One golden soul who looked to be in his late eighties or early nineties shared the importance of taking one more step after you feel as if you can't go any longer. He said " we are more powerful than we think we are and no matter what, we always have one more step In us. We simply must be willing to push pass the pain." He went on to state how young people today don't have the guts to push past the pain. "They give up as soon as a muscle aches and in my day that's when I was just getting started. You see, I wanted to prove to myself that I had the heart to take one more step.”

I was grateful to have experienced those words of wisdom. This is the truth, I thought. Yes! We are stronger that we think; however, it I so easy to lose heart at the first sign of pressure. We do have what it takes to push past the pain, to tell ourselves that we are stronger than our circumstances, to make it over the hurdle even when we believe that we have nothing left to give. When were dripping with sweat, our legs are shaking, our bones are aching and all we want to do is stop; we have the power to take one more step. We are powerful and owe it to ourselves to keep going no matter the obstacles that life will surely present.

Quitters are never remembered and they don't leave honorable legacies. Don't be a quitter. Give your very best at all you do and inspire the masses to strive on. 

Committing Suicide

Committing Suicide

There are times when others can't see the vision and may think we are crazy for setting our goals too high. In many cases we may feel as if we have no support because people don't buy into our dreams. In fact, some make attempts to talk us out of pursuing our dreams or may encourage us to lower our standards. What you must understand is that not everyone will latch on to your dreams. That is why is it called “YOUR DREAM” so we must put in the work that it takes to preserve it.

So are you doing what it takes to preserve your dream or are you committing suicide? One of my favorite motivational speakers Les Brown often quotes the African Proverb that says “when there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.” In many cases you can be your own worst enemy; you can kill your own dreams by giving up or allowing others to talk you down and out. This is why it is vital to surround yourself with those who are chasing their own dreams. Their drive and self-motivation will encourage you in the pursuit of your purpose. When you surround yourself with people who are coasting along in life and wavering with the wind with no vision, you place yourself in a position for possible suicide.

The Bible tells us to be strong and not give up 2 Chronicles 15:7. There are going to be many times when your friends and family will see you coming and say “Here comes that dreamer.” These are the same words Joseph's brothers said to him while plotting his death. Today, I encourage you to never lose hope in yourself and more importantly, never lose hope in the abilities of God. Today, I encourage you to be your own cheerleader and find likeminded people who are willing to get behind you and push you to your finish line.

K. Slaughter