[“The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way” (Karen S. Magee).]
Zig Ziglar once shared a story about a young boy who wanted to mock an old wise man. The boy held a living butterfly in his hands, with its wings held backward as if it was in handcuffs. He approached the old man and asked if the butterfly was dead or alive. The old man replied that the answer was in the boy’s hands. The boy’s intention was to crush the butterfly and kill it if the old man had said that the butterfly was alive. Alternatively, he would have released the butterfly if the old man had said it was dead.
Frank Tyger’s statement, “Your future depends on many things, but mostly on you,” rings true. While we rely on others for many aspects of life, our thoughts and feelings are uniquely our own. Even when we experience pain, it is a personal and individual experience. Myles Monroe pointed out: “There’s something for you to start that is destined for you to finish.” This also reminds us of the uniqueness of human fingerprints.
The Tadpole may resemble a fish during the early stages of its life, but it is not a fish and will never be one. Similarly, just because a butterfly can soar to great heights does not make it a bird – everyone has their own unique traits and qualities. This individuality can also allow us to deceive others without anyone else realizing the truth, except ourselves. As Abigail Buren once said, “No matter how many counseling sessions you attend, breaking a bad habit ultimately requires personal effort and determination.”
Imagine you’ve just inherited a fortune worth enough to feed one million people if each of them was given a million dollars. What will you do with the money? Will you invest it, donate part of it to charity, or simply save it in the bank and live a life of leisure? The choice is yours, but always remember to do what is right, not just what is socially acceptable. As a Chinese proverb states, “A wise man makes his own decisions, while a foolish one follows public opinion.” And as Martin Luther once said, “Two things every man must do alone: every man must do his own believing, and every man must do his own dying.”
A Native American proverb goes, “Flies may hover over your head, but it’s up to you not to let them nest on it.” When browsing the internet, you may come across enticing offers that ask for your interest. However, it’s crucial to let your values guide your decision-making. As Harold Taylor said, “It’s not difficult to make a decision when you know what you stand for.” Temptation may come knocking, but it’s up to you to avoid it like a pothole. The Bible warns, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:28).
In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “Not making a decision is, in fact, a decision.” John Mason emphasizes this point by stating, “The quickest way to get killed is to stand in the middle of the road.” Perhaps you have access to opportunities within your company that could lead to a fortune for the rest of your life. You have multiple options available, and it’s up to you to decide which path to take. However, always let honesty and integrity guide your decision. John Wooden believed that “Greatness comes from earnestly pursuing what is right, not what is great.” Louis added, “Few things can withstand a man who can conquer himself.”
In Matthew 7:24-27 (paraphrased), it is said that a house built on the rock can withstand storms, while a house built on the sand will collapse even with a mere rainfall. As a student, you may encounter a difficult subject during your studies. You have two choices to graduate: take a shortcut, cheat, and pass the exam or take an honest approach, fail, retake the course, and master the subject. If your goal is to achieve lasting success, then heed Beverly Hills’ advice: “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” As John Mason notes, “The way to the top is not swift nor easy; nothing worthwhile ever happens in a hurry.”
A preacher, who remains anonymous, presents his perspective on the common issue of people complaining about others who have hurt their feelings. He poses the question: “Isn’t it what they make of it that counts?” Even in difficult situations where guidance is needed, you are ultimately responsible for your actions. As the architect of your own life, you have the power to decide what makes or breaks you. Blaming others is not the answer. This was what Jesus meant when he said, “Judge not…” Instead, as Stewart Johnson advises, “If you want to know who is responsible for your predicaments, just take a look in the mirror.”
Vince Gill’s song lyrics state that the decision to burn a bridge or cross it lies in your hands. It is also widely accepted that a person is the sum of their choices. While it is not up to you to choose the circumstances of your birth, once you become aware of your situation, you have the power to decide whether to remain in that state. Jim Rohn rightly pointed out that life does not improve by chance, but by change. You have the choice to either fall behind or take the necessary steps to catch up. As Mary Pickford said, “You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.”
Marianne Crawford once observed, “Every person carries with them the world in which they must live.” When it comes to the issues of life, ultimately, you are responsible for yourself. Even an infant will not rely on its mother’s breast milk forever, as its growth signals increasing independence. As time goes on, the child will be expected to take over decision-making from their parents, who will gradually step back. It is also natural that in a crisis or emergency, one attends first to oneself.
The same old wise man in the start of this conversation was approached by another young man. The young man came to him and asked, “What is the answer to all the problems in the world?”
The old man replied, “The answer is in your hands.”
The young man was confused and asked the old man to explain what he meant.
The wise old man continued, “Every individual has the power to make a difference. The choices you make every day can have a positive or negative impact on the world around you. It is up to you to choose wisely and do what is right.”
