Lift the anchor…

Excellence is caring more than others think is wise; risking more than others think is safe;  dreaming more than others think is practical;
and expecting more than others think is possible.

Good morning! I fell in love with this quote the first time I saw it many years ago. It resonated with me, because it matches my core beliefs–even though these core beliefs often require walking up to the precipice of life and taking uncalculated risks. Yet I know I must live by these principles in order to experience all that life has to offer. I never want to miss a chance, even when that requires falling down and getting many-a-bruises.

Last night, I was reflecting on what a full life means to me. I believe one key is to “greet each moment with a sense of appreciation instead of expectation.” I believe we pass another milestone when our fears become an inspiration instead of deterrent in achieving our full potential. Learning to take risks, and enjoying that sense of adventure–no matter what the end result, is another key. When we can appreciate our own courage, despite the result, we take the opportunities life so often presents.

When I was fourteen years old I purchased a notecard that I still keep on my desk. The outside of the card features a small sailboat on an ocean night. Below the photo is this simple text: “‘One cannot discover new lands without losing sight of the shore.”

To me, this quote speaks volumes about change. So many of us want to realize change, but we are unwilling to “cast away” the lines that tie us to our old habits. We try to reach the “other side of the ocean” while leaving those ties around us. That is an impossible journey. We must be willing to throw off the ties and set sail toward our dreams.

 Your Turn: Review today’s quote and think about what it means to you. How can you practice excellence in your life? And what about change? Are you trying to change while still holding onto the past? If so, make a concerted effort to cast away the lines and see where the wonderful journey of life will take you.

Today’s Affirmation: Each day, I sail toward and realize the great gifts of this life.


Comments

Lift the anchor… — 1 Comment

  1. Thanks Brook for this Good Morning Message. I wanted to add that sometimes I have had all it takes to move forward on an idea, except the one thing that I allowed to hold me back was the attitude of those around me. The only difference between how I viewed a change in my life and how someone else viewed it was put so perfectly in today’s quote. This is just another great reminder for me to keep into perspective where other people’s attitude and/or negativity towards taking chances may come from. It took a while, however I have learned that it does not matter if anyone else thinks I will succeed, what matters is what I feel inside, and living by today’s quote. Thanks again…you seem to have perfect timing.

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