The Last Lecture: From One Who Has Hardly Begun

     I would like to invite you to journey with me.  I am not so far along the path; we can travel together.  Beginning is the hardest part, but quickly passed.  Take my hand and come along.  There are others farther up the path.  We can learn the way by following them and by wearing the trail a little wider, a bit smoother, we will help those who come next. Set aside fear of your inexperience and see there is no specific finish line or just one winner.  

     The first step isn’t far.  It is inside of you. Determine what you are and what you want to be.  This step can hurt as you learn to recognize areas in which you need improvement or attitudes which need to be left behind.  Quickly accept these things, drop them, or prepare to fix them.  Develop a plan for strengthening your weaknesses and follow it.  

     Be careful not to get stuck here.  Don’t let your doubts get hold of you.  Focus your path toward those places where you are strong.  Recognizing strength can be different from being prideful.  Pride is misplaced confidence, but confidence well placed gives you power to accomplish great things.  Believe in yourself.  Believe in your strength. 

   

     Look at your cheering section!  They see the strength in you.  They understand your need to grow.  They understand because they are on their own journey, discovering who they are and making themselves stronger too.  See how they cheer, not only for you, but for each other?  Join your voice to theirs and encourage others on their own path. 

 

     Keep in mind those who can’t or refuse to cheer.  They have their own power, but it is dangerous.  Theirs is the power to hold you down and keep you from accomplishing your goals.  While we cannot always avoid them, we can keep them from holding on to us.  Treating them with kindness is the only way to move beyond them.  Often, those stuck in fear don’t recognize what is happening to them.  Simple kindnesses can open their eyes and then they can begin to get themselves out.  Cheer for them and watch them grow.    

     Keep your eyes wide open.  There are many pitfalls and obstacles in this journey.  No success along this path is worth the price of your integrity.  Remember the first step of looking into yourself.  Remember who you are and who you want to be.  Remember those who are counting on you.  Remember the truth of eternity. 

     Come with me on this journey.  Let’s explore together.  I have heard there is much success and joy to be found.  It will be up to us to find it.  Let’s get our traveling shoes on and hit the road.  I am excited to see what is up ahead and happy to share the experience with you.