Daily Inspiration 3-21-10

"The best helping hand that you will ever receive. . .

is the one at the end of your own arm."

-- Fred Dehner

"How much time he gains who does not look
to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks,
but only what he does himself, to make it just and holy."

-- Marcus Aurelius

"Champions take responsibility.

When the ball is coming over the net,

you can be sure I want the ball."

-- Billie Jean King

Self-reliance is a challenge and yet it is a necessity to succeed. We need to learn to depend on ourselves, believe in ourselves and accept ourselves for who and what we are and who and what we can become. People don't come to our front door and say, "We chose you to be a success today, so come with us and let's get you some of those rewards." That would be nice. I would like it, but it is an unlikely event.

The reality is we can only truly depend on ourselves. Taking responsibility for that reality is key as Billie Jean King says. When the ball is coming over the fence, it really doesn't matter what the neighbors think, the fans in the stadium, her parents and relatives, coaches, teachers. It's just Billy Jean and the ball. One on one. Total control of that moment--the CEO of the ball's next move. There is a certain amount of peace and comfort in that realization. The time for input from others has passed.

"Up to a point a man's life is shaped by environment, heredity,

and movements and changes in the world about him;

then there comes a time when it lies within his grasp

to shape the clay of his life into the sort of thing he wishes to be. . .

Everyone has it within his power to say,

this I am today, that I shall be tomorrow."

-- Louis L'Amour

I Am The Ultimate Decision Maker In My Own Life.

Spread Some Joy Today--Before you go to work today, take a good look in the mirror (or the bathroom at work if you are already there. . .) and put on that look of total confidence--the 'I can do anything' look. Admire it for a few brief moments because you may not have seen it in a while. Now, go back to work wearing it for the rest of the day. See how people respond to you for the rest of the day. I'll bet it makes a huge difference.