Never Underestimate the Spirit of a Determined Soul
A Tribute to President Reagan
Yesterday, after putting in an enormous amount of work,
I flipped on the t.v. and was stunned to see the passing of
former President Ronald Reagan. We knew it was coming,
but it's still hard to accept the truth when it strikes.
When President Nixon died 10 years ago, that was a major
moment of reflection for me - even though I could hardly be
classified as a "Nixon fan."
At the same time, though, I like to watch those who have
attained the highest office in our country and I enjoy studying
the GOOD qualities they embody. Regardless of your opinion of
any single president, fact is, none could rise to the top without some
major positives on their side.
Although I rarely watch the news - or t.v. for that matter, I have
been glued to the set for hours. As I watch the coverage, the one
recurring theme that Reagan promoted and LIVED was the same
one that I try to promote with my teachings - albeit not as well as
he did, or on as large a scale.
That theme is both simple and profound - and it is the key to success
in life. It is as follows: BELIEVE in yourself and in your cause - and BELIEVE
in it even in the face of skepticism, ridicule, adversity, doubt or uncertainty.
Believe in your cause even when the going is tough. Believe in your
cause even when everyone appears to be against you. Give it all you have.
Give it all you have, all the time. Have a grand vision and never let your
vision be deterred.
This was in a very large way, what Reagan practiced and preached.
But there were other valuable lessons I learned from Reagan. I learned
the importance of being able to filter the goings-on in life in an optimistic
way. This is a powerful lesson. So many people, regardless of the good,
filter their information so that only the negative is brought to light.
This destroys morale and does nothing to help you improve your life.
From Reagan, I also learned to never be afraid to speak up for what you
believe in, even if doing so will upset and offend others. This is a quality he
embodied - and despite the critics, he never wavered. Ultimately, many of
his ideas prevailed because of this fearless quality. Today, because of Reagan's
influence, the Soviet Union collapsed and the Berlin wall came down. These are
major achievements that no one thought possible when he took office.
No one but the man with the vision.
From Reagan I learned to have a sense of humor, to love life. I learned
to laugh in the face of opposition - and how, when you do this, you'll get
along fine.
President Reagan had many achievements, but the cornerstone and
foundation of his greatness was the character he possessed. He had a
VISION. He believed in his vision. And he stood by it no matter who
disagreed. Most importantly, Reagan followed through with fearless action
until the job was done.
How much of this can we apply to our own lives?
An awful lot.
President Reagan, I love you. Thanks for the memories - and thank you
for the lessons you left behind.
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