Set your own sail

Every now and then you read a book, watch a movie or simply hear a story where you learn something that dramatically changes your life. It’s profound when it happens. But as remarkable as it may be, it is also rare and unpredictable.

I’ve come to realize such special lessons only come when the moment is right. Call it destiny if you will, but I believe when the student is ready, the master will appear.

I also believe we will not move on to the next lesson until we’ve fully understood, accepted and embraced the last one. Today I’d like to share the most powerful lessons I have learned.
Here are 3 quotes that encompass lessons that have changed my life and maybe they’ll change yours too:
"Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."
―Norman Vincent Peale
Peale’s quote encompasses the message of his book “The Power of Positive Thinking”. A friend loaned me his copy of this book and from the very first page I became enthralled. I knew I could improve and become a better person but never understood how and “The Power of Positive Thinking” taught me how.

I can never fully explain how life-changing Peale’s book was for me. The lessons contained in it started me on a new journey, one that is positive and hopeful. I learned to embrace every day with a humble but reasonable confidence in myself and my abilities.

I highly recommend “The Power of Positive Thinking” to anyone, especially if you have been struggling for some time and you want to find a way to rise above your struggles.
"If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much."
―Jim Rohn
Few teachers teach lessons that are so direct, honest and significant. Rohn often talked about possibilities and opportunities as wind and that the wind blows around all of us, but the difference is how you set your sail.

Peale’s lesson came first and I am fortunate it did, because had I not learned the lessons of positive thinking I would not have been ready to design my own life plan. I would not have written my memoir and self-published it. I also would not have created this blog you are reading.

By writing, self-publishing and even starting my blogs, I began to design my own life as a writer. I could have continued to write in my personal journals and stayed in obscurity, but that would have been self-limiting.

So what’s your passion? Have you designed your own plan to bring life to your passion?

If you’re waiting for someone else to give you an opportunity or design your plan for you, well, be prepared if they don’t have much in store for you.

Go ahead, set your own sail.
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
―Albert Einstein