What would you like to leave behind? How do you want others to remember you? Do you want to write a book? Do you want to master a musical instrument? Do you want to be the best in your profession? Think hard, but be careful. Wishes with desire and noble intentions come true!
I’ll share a secret:
The world will give you anything you want.
It is not fair to call this a secret because this ancient advice can be found in the Bible. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7.
In 1993, I wanted to create an institution where every child could express their written appreciation for their mothers. Being an adoptee that never knew my own birthmother, the contest would be in honor of my adoptive mother, my birthmother, and every mother in the world. Being a diamond merchant, I would award a diamond or other gemstone to the most creative writers.
My plan was to invite thousands of kids to participate where they could read their words to their mothers. I would also compile their poems and essays in a book as a lasting keepsake. Some people said I was crazy. Others said it was impossible. Attorneys said I would get into a lawsuit.
That was over twenty-one years ago. Since then, I have published the works of 72,000 kids. Now mothers can always enjoy the loving words from their kids from the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest. Today, with the help of my staff and Gallery of Diamonds jewelers, every complication was replaced with a solution, and we have published twenty anthology books. These books total 2,794 pages and, counting the essays alone, 1,803,729 words. This is equivalent to the words of 2 1/3 Holy Bibles!
My advice to kids, entrepreneurs, and everyone who has a dream: Follow your spark. Follow your heart. Raise your umbrella. Never give up.
“I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite.”
G. K. Chesterton.
Wow… Courage and determination pays off well, doesn’t it?
Yes it does, Moniba. I’m glad you agree. If you can hang in there, you’ll get where you want to go.
Well said and kudos! 🙂
How very true! However, we are often in such a daily routine with work and so on, that we don’t find the time to think about what we REALLY want and hot to get there. Normally we rethink our lives when something unpleasant happens. And then – hopefully – we are able to realize that there is also good to be found in something that seemed not so good. Because: if one door closes, at least two others will open. 🙂 Take care! 🙂
That was a great observation, happyface. What I have found is one of the most difficult things is determining what one really wants from life. I think most persons cannot even write a small sentence on a piece of paper what they really want.
I had this thought in my Christmas carols’ post, too. What are your talents and how can you best put them to use? How can you serve and make a difference? I loved the way you expressed this in a different way!
Thank you, reocochran. Is this something you express to your friends every holiday season? If so, I feel that is noble and thought provoking.
Inspiring!
How encouraging!
one like is not enough
Absolutely wonderful!
One of the most important issues of all, Mike. How we frame our lives: to what purpose will we utilise what is given to us.
How true, David. My assistant always taught me, “Know where your talents lie.” I can add, “… And do it with passion.”