Photo Credit – Susie Sprinkel Hudson
A revolving stage, painted as a map of the world, placed the actors at just the appropriate place for them to sing and dance each number. The stage turned every time, perfectly, during each performance for several weeks – until it abruptly stopped during the final act on the final night, leaving each actor out of position and facing every which way but the right one.
… Please others because you are afraid of offending them?
… Have trouble saying ‘No’?
… Allow others to manipulate you into situations that you don’t want?
… Always put others first?
… Have trouble standing up for yourself?
… Avoid social situations because you get too anxious?
… Feel taken advantage of?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above questions, then this post is for you!
Without making the fundamental choice to be the predominant creative force in your life, no matter what you do to attempt to benefit yourself or enhance your life, you will merely be finding more sophisticated ways of responding to circumstances.”
It is so easy to allow opportunities in life to pass us by, as we often react in
fear rather than choose our response to particular situations that we
find ourselves in.
Recently my daughter celebrated her 21st birthday, and I thought back to an
incident I had with her that was published many years ago in the book A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul. In sharing this story with you, I am reminded again to always look for opportunities that are given to us.
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I had offered to watch my 3-year-old daughter, Ramanda, so that my wife could go out with a friend. I was getting some work done while Ramanda appeared to be having a good time in the other room. No problem, I figured. But then it got a little too quiet and I yelled out, “What are you doing, Ramanda?” No response.
We evolve not by dreaming of giant steps, but by committing ourselves in action to little ones, moving step by relentless step in an ever-expanding field of vision.”
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
I would like to give you a gift. Yes, I have something in my possession that, if you accept it, will change your life in ways that you never dreamed possible. My gift is free. I ask nothing in return. You can accept it and share it with others if you choose. In fact, I believe that there are others around you who would be eternally grateful to you for giving them such an amazing and priceless gift.
All that I ask of you, should you decide to accept my gift, is that you take some time to think about the implications of such a gift. Do not accept it if you do not feel ready to let it take you to new and exciting places. My gift has the potential to create both amazing possibilities as well as sheer terror at the same time! Happiness and fear … amazement and caution … belief and disbelief.