A couple of weeks ago I was riding on a light rail train with a buddy. We found ourselves sitting across from two lively characters, one from South Africa and the other from Zimbabwe. Both now live in the United States, and are incredibly happy to be here. We spent 45 minutes listening to fascinating stories of what life is like for citizens in these countries. I learned that in Zimbabwe they are provided only about three hours of electricity a day. Imagine how your life would be impacted with only three hours of electrical power a day? Each of these individuals made a decision to leave oppressive lifestyles and live a life they know they deserve. So many of us live our lives as if we were are trapped, or in bondage, by what life has provided us so far. We work at jobs we don't like, participate in communities that no longer serve us, or live in places that don’t provide us what we want. We don't have time to learn a new skill or hobby, or return to school in order to enhance our careers. We are trapped by self-induced fears of failure, or embarrassment. The truth is that you are free to create a life that you own. You have the capability and freedom to invent yourself. The tools are readily available, even though it might take some effort to locate them. Sometimes things don't turn out quite like we hoped, but when we take responsibility for happiness and fulfillment, we always win, many times on a far larger scale than we ever imagined. I challenge you to create the life you want. Start small if you want to, but move in the direction of your unique talents and interests. Take time to learn a new skill. Spend time with those you love. Make an effort to discover and unleash the powerful potential and greatness inside of you. Don’t allow yourself to live in “bondage” any longer. Do something to enhance your future this week, Kevin |
| “Self-reliance is the only road to true freedom, and being one's own person is its ultimate reward.” - Patricia Sampson |
| Breaking Free from the Bondage |