FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Editorials by Robert Kirwan

   
Never Be Satisfied With The Status Quo
Always Accept The Challenge to Effect Change
    
I want you to take the quotation above and post it in a place where you will see it every day. My copy is right above my computer. Whenever you find yourself facing a critical decision that may impact on your future, turn to that little piece of paper.  Before you make your decision, carefully examine the conditions as they exist and then ask yourself if you are ready to accept responsibility for changing the situation.
                Some people find that it is a lot easier to simply accept the status quo, and go about their live with a feeling that nothing they do will make a difference. These people remind me about a story about two frogs which fell into a deep bowl of cream. One was an optimistic soul, but the other took the gloomy view.
                "I shall drown," cried the pessimist. "And so shall you." So, with a last despairing cry, he closed his eyes and said "Good-bye" and sank into the cream and died.
                The people who do not believe in themselves take on the gloomy view and say that it is useless to even try. On the other hand, there are those who have the courage to break away from their chains and bring about positive change. These are people who realize that without change, there can be no growth. These are the people who have the courage and resolve to challenge the status quo, even despite what may appear to be extremely difficult obstacles.
                Those people remind me of the other frog which fell into the deep bowl of cream. 
                After its partner gave up and sank to the bottom, the other optimistic frog said, "I can't get out, but I won't give in! I'll swim around till my strength is spent. If I have to die, at least I will die content knowing that I didn't give up."
                And the frog bravely swam around and around the bowl until his struggles began to churn the cream. Finally he came to rest on top of the hardened butter which had been made as a result of his continuous swimming. He then hopped out of the bowl to safety.
                I admire people who won’t give up. You can find these people among parents who are struggling to make ends meet and who still want to give their children a good life; among students who are confused about what career to pursue and who are faced with difficult choices; among physically and mentally challenged individuals for whom the very basic actions we take for granted are mountains to overcome; and for everyone who is trying to cope with emotional and psychological demons rolling around in their heads.
                Let the lesson of the struggling frog be an inspiration. Let the quotation be your motivation. You do have a choice! You can accept conditions as they exist, or you can accept responsibility for changing them. One day the cream will turn to butter and you will hop out to a brighter future.
                Have a good week!
 
 

Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved
Valley East Today is published by
Infocom Canada Business Consultants Inc.