“Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenges, wish for more wisdom.”
– Earl Shoaf
Global Terrorism. Fiscal Cliff. Labor disputes. Divisive Politics. Rising unemployment. Increase in depression, suicide, and broken relationships.
Even a strike in Hockey!
Perhaps you’ve read these headlines from today’s news cycle?
Let me share a little perspective on how, regardless the headlines in the paper or in your life, you can take back the truth that the best is yet to come.
26 years ago, my Mom entered into an emergency department. She hurried there after receiving news that her son, John, was burned in an explosion. She didn’t know what happened, didn’t know how serious it was, and didn’t prepare for what she’d see next.
Mom pulled back a curtain in the ER, saw her little boy (she had 6 kids, but this was her favorite!) lying on his back, with his skin completely burned off, in terrible pain, totally afraid, and dying.
She walked directly to me, took my hand in hers, patted my bald head, and told me she loved me. I asked my mom if I was going to die.
Rather than answering she replied with a question. It was the only question worth asking – and the only one worth answering.
“John, do you want to die?”
I was looking for someone else to make me feel good. Mom was looking for me to become accountable and answer for myself. You see, motivation always comes from within.
In my high-pitched, little-boy voice I responded, “Mom, I am not going to die. I want to live.”
Her response, “Then, Baby, you need to fight like you’ve never fought before, you need to take the hand of God, and you need to walk this journey with him. But John, you listen to me: You are going to have to fight.”
I had no idea the journey ahead and had no idea how difficult it would be. I also had no idea how worthwhile it would be! All we knew was the fight was on!
So, what does this story have to do with challenges we face today?
As a little boy, I had to answer the question: “Do you want to die?”
Today, we must answer a different question.
Trying not to die is easy. A cockroach hides in crevices and sneaks around in the dark to ‘not die’. You, my friend, are called to a higher level of living! You are intended to dance in the light, to impact others with your talents, to achieve exceptional success, and to thrive in life!
Your life isn’t intended to run from challenges, adversity and death, but to race toward hope, opportunity and life.
So here it is:
Do you want to live? (regardless the size of some fiscal cliff)
Do you want to thrive? (regardless the headlines created by people paid to make you afraid)
Do you want to succeed? (regardless the challenges in your work, health, relationships, and finances?)
Don’t wish life got easier, fight to get better.
Don’t desire fewer problems, seek more skills.
Don’t hope for less challenges, wish for more wisdom.
Don’t read more headlines, begin writing your own.
And don’t wait for tomorrow. Start today!
John O’Leary
www.RisingAbove.com
www.Facebook.com/SpeakerJohnOleary
Over 3,000 leaders from around the world are enlisted in this Movement. Join us in realizing that achieving success personally, relationally, spiritually, financially and professionally is a challenge we ALL face, and one that not any single individual can provide all the information, we have amassed a group of experts from around the world. These leaders will guide us forward in an unmatched leadership development program. Imagine combining the power of TED talks, with a cohesive, purposeful flow of information, in a supportive community, all focused on your growth, your gifts, your goals, your life.
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The best is yet to come! Take back the possibility of your life today!
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John O’Leary
www.RisingAbove.com
www.Facebook.com/SpeakerJohnOleary
0 replies on “Dying to Live”
Thank you for your encouragement and life testimony! You have touched my heart deeply and are a bright light in this world!