If we are to achieve greatness, we must risk failure.  Just as mountains peaks rise up from deep valleys, the ascent to great heights is filled with the potential to fall down along the way.  It is this fear of the unknown, and the risks, that erode our confidence.  The confidence we need to succeed will be gobbled up, bit by bit, by fear, and the way it spreads itself, destroying all hope in its path.

Along life’s path there are many many lessons to be learned.  Our growth will come with some discomfort and pain.  It is part of the process, just like a new child being born into the world. 

We must come to embrace change. For it seems to stir up such uncertainty for so many of us.  Fear of the unknown. The fear of failure.  Change is a constant.  It is part of the evolution of everything.  Changes are not permanent, but change is.

Forget about the things your family and friends said about you.  The limits they put in your head.  Forget about the devil’s advocates who told you that you could never do the great things your passionate about in life.  Forget the voices in your head, telling you that you are not good enough, or smart enough.  Broken records that go around and around, never stopping their message, nor their sound.  It is our job to take action by seeking the information we need to forge out our future.  A future that fulfills our great promise. 

Rejection lives everywhere.  It lurks right around the corner just about all the time.  It stands in our way.  Rejection blocks our path by putting lies in front of us to derail us from greatness.  We are not tall enough or rich enough.   Our house is nothing compared to our friend’s house.  We were never a good student, and just can’t do math because we were never good enough at numbers.   We look in the mirror and the lies are even clearer…”not pretty enough”…..”too fat”…..”our hair is all wrong”.  We wish we had blue eyes or brown eyes or green eyes or any color eyes than the color we have.  Lies, all lies, that need to get out of our pictures and images of ourselves.  

Truth is, no one is quite like anyone else.  We stand alone full of possibilities.  One beating heart and one great work of art.

Stand out by following your passions without reservation, and with no hesitation.  It is time to get dressed for success.  Do the things you want to do with your life.  Listen to the voice that is so filled with excitement about the many gifts you have to share.  Follow that passion for connection.  Build the life you dream of by networking with the people who support you.  The passionate people who say “you can”.  The ones who know you will.

The dreamers who dream big dreams.  The people who plant the seeds of greatness with their lives.  The ones who withstand  punishing agony to know the greatness of victory.  The bravehearts who forget about their fears. 
The achievers who make history.

Like any road or trail we may travel , the path to a positive and fulfilling life is achieved through a continuous commitment.  A commitment to ourselves and everyone in our world.  It is through trial and error, and the failings that occur as the result, that we ultimately grow. 

Just like the phoenix rises from the ashes to fly again, so too will we, when we learn how to use our failures as lessons.  Lessons that challenge us at the very core of our fiber.  For we must learn to be resilient. It is not enough to merely go through life.  We must learn to grow through life!

If you have been born into a loving family, you have been blessed.  Give thanks for it.  Honor and respect them with your actions.   If you have your health, you have true wealth.  Use it wisely.  If you are wise, share your intellect with the world.  We need all the great minds put towards the many challenges facing our planet. 

Recognize the importance of our place in history.  Each of us are but one link in a continuous chain.  The opportunity to make a difference lies within every living person.  Rise to your potential by surrounding yourself with people who inspire you.  Aspire to greatness!  Always!!

Seek and find the answers to anything that you do not understand.

Develop a hunger for information.  It leads to knowledge.  And knowledge leads to power.

Choose behavior that reflects the way you want to be treated. 

Love and be loved.   Laugh often.  Cry real tears without fear. 

Realize how special you are..  Seize the moments of your days…

Honor life and those who live….on the path to the positive!!

If you have been touched in any way by my soup recipe please let me know some of your “secret ingredients.”  I want to hear from you……….words that inspire you!  What do you want to do?  Have you taken any action steps towards your dream?

In my next series, which will mark my debut as a New Haven Register Blogger, I will be creating a step by step action plan. The plan will take us, together, down a trail blazing road.  I will be working the action plan with you towards  my own goals!  My best to you! Be amazing!!  CB