How Was Work Today?
September 27, 2008 by Aspen Eggimann · 5 Comments
I had to hold back a laugh a few days ago when I heard the above question. My cousin had just asked it to his brother in law.
The reason for my laughter? I was caught up in seeing the huge difference in the two people having this conversation about work. My cousin, David, had just gotten back leading a group, myself included, backpacking and exploring in Mexico. As part of his work he takes small groups down to Copper Canyon on cultural/humanitarian work. The trip goes thru the third world area of Copper Canyon to visit the Tamarah indians. Filled with helping people and moment by moment adventures. When he is not in Mexico he teaches wilderness survival. He doesn’t do it for money and he certainly doesn’t do it for prestige. He does it because its his passion, his dream.
As he asked his brother in law the “How was work today?” question I thought I saw a twinkle in his eye. “Oh you know, its work.” was the long faced reply. He brother in law is a banker.
Neither one leads a life the other should be leading. But one has a job, the other a dream come true.
After the humorousness of the moment was gone I was left deeply impressed by what I had seen. And it made me think a lot about my life and those around me.
I am sure most have heard the quote;
“Most people spend their lives working at a job they don’t like, to get money they don’t need, for things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”
This may be an extreme statement on first hearing it, but for most it rings partially true.
Many people lead a life wishing they could do or be something they aren’t doing. They have a dream that they want to live, and yet when asked if they are living that dream they aren’t.
I believe everyone has a dream. Maybe from childhood, maybe not, but its real none the less. Dreams are important to an individual. When talking to people about their dream they come alive, their eyes sparkle and their voice gets excited. And then comes a statement I am sure we have all heard and said, “Oh well, maybe someday.” and the sparks are gone, the passion fizzles out and they go back to life just thinking about their dream.
Men and women all have a dream. Not just some or those who have thought about it or have been told they should have one. I mean ALL. Every single person if you search long enough has a dream inside them. And most of them aren’t living it.
The excuses for not living a dream are wide ranging. No money, no time, no resources, no skills, no support. In other words, no reason.
Why don’t we live our dreams?
Simple question, hard to answer. The answer is hard because it is so elusive. You really can’t tell why exactly. The excuses we use are just that… excuses. So what is the real reason? Fear? Laziness? Lack of faith?
If you are scared well… you should be. Living a life of dreams is scary. Not in the spooky sense. But in the difficulty and challenges. Its not easy and you will be tried, talked out of it, have road blocks put in your way and cross into unknowns. Yes it is scary. But worth it? Completely.
As for being lazy there really is no other reply then to get off your rump and start working. This life is short and there is no time to waste.
There is an old western quote that says;
“The cowards never started and the weak ones died on the way.”
At least start. Then you can figure out the rest as you go. But the truly strong start living their dreams now.
If we live a life without faith then it is no life. You were given your dreams for a reason and there is no power that would give you dreams and desires only to not give you a way of fulfilling them. Have a little faith.
“To dream anything you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.” - Bernard Edmonds
We are limitless in our capabilities, endless in our resources and have and untold potential to build anything we can imagine. So why hold back?
What is the one thing that makes you come alive? The one thing you would die for, or more importantly, live for?
What is your dream? And what do you need to do to start living it?
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Copyright © 2008 by The Cause of Liberty. All rights reserved.
How does one obtain a world-class education?
January 25, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · Leave a Comment
In his revolutionary–yet timeless–book A Thomas Jefferson Education, Dr. Oliver DeMille outlines a method and principles of education used by the most powerful statesmen and stateswomen in all of history. Dr. DeMille shows that there are three basic methods of education, those being conveyor belt, technical training, and leadership education.
Conveyor belt education is essentially what our public school system has become. It’s designed to give every person the same education, and to basically keep everyone at the same level. Conveyor belt education teaches what to think. Technical training is used for specialized skills and careers such as medicine, law, and accounting. Technical training teaches when to think. Leadership education is designed to build, as Dr. DeMille says, “men and women of virtue, wisdom, diplomacy and courage, who inspire greatness in others and move the cause of liberty.” Leadership training teaches how to think.
Leadership education is built on five pillars: classics, mentors, simulations, field experiences, and God. Virtually every great leader in history had all of these pillars as a significant part of his or her education.
To get a world-class education, immerse yourself in original classic books, find and utilize an appropriate mentor, practice situations to prepare you for “real” life, take part in internships and other experiences that give you valuable knowledge and experience in preparation for living your mission, and throughout the entire process, seek God’s guidance and direction to lead you to your mission.
Move the Cause of Liberty by (1) subscribing to the Sentinel, a free weekly newsletter boldly illuminating the principles of freedom in a darkening nation, and (2) pledging your Life, Liberty, and Sacred Honor to the Cause by signing the Declaration of Dependence.
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Copyright © 2008 by The Cause of Liberty. All rights reserved.
How can you develop your unique abilities to the fullest?
January 25, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · Leave a Comment
Many often have a hard time recognizing how valuable their unique talents are because they come easy to them. This can sometimes lead to treating their gifts casually.
The story is told of the great artist Michelangelo and his mentor, Bertoldo de Giovanni. Michelangelo was only 14 years old when he came to Bertoldo, but it was already obvious that he was enormously gifted. Bertoldo was wise enough to realize that gifted people are often tempted to coast rather than to grow, and therefore he kept trying to pressure his young prodigy to work seriously at his art. One day he came into the studio to find Michelangelo toying with a piece of sculpture far beneath his abilities. Bertoldo grabbed a hammer, smashed the work into tiny pieces, and shouted, “Michelangelo, talent is cheap; dedication is costly!”
An excellent way to develop your talents is to find a mentor who will push you beyond what you would normally push yourself.
Suggested reading: A Call to Excellence by Gary Inrig
Move the Cause of Liberty by (1) subscribing to the Sentinel, a free weekly newsletter boldly illuminating the principles of freedom in a darkening nation, and (2) pledging your Life, Liberty, and Sacred Honor to the Cause by signing the Declaration of Dependence.
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Copyright © 2008 by The Cause of Liberty. All rights reserved.
Freedom, or Security?
January 24, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · Leave a Comment
The desire for security in a turbulent world is natural and understandable. Yet if we seek security in place of liberty, we will inevitably be led to a counterfeit of true security: slavery.
More often than not, freedom and security are mutually exclusive. Many vote for policies that rob them of precious freedoms in order to ensure their safety. People choose jobs for their benefits and stability, as opposed to what aligns with their passion and purpose. But as Benjamin Franklin wisely observed, “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
America must reclaim her heritage and choose virtue over vice, sacrifice over expediency, and courage over subservience, rather than a culture and government that usurps authority and abdicates responsibility. You can be instrumental in leading that charge by choosing freedom over false security in your own life. Follow your dreams, your passion, your purpose, and choose the difficult yet noble path of heroism, fortitude, perseverance, and creativity. Rise up to your potential and be worthy of the responsibility of freedom!
Move the Cause of Liberty by (1) subscribing to the Sentinel, a free weekly newsletter boldly illuminating the principles of freedom in a darkening nation, and (2) pledging your Life, Liberty, and Sacred Honor to the Cause by signing the Declaration of Dependence.
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Copyright © 2008 by The Cause of Liberty. All rights reserved.
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