You know, sometimes a word of encouragement can really change a person’s attitude and affect their life in a positive way. I recall, for instance, when I was working at "The Law Firm" as a legal secretary, notary, receptionist, hostess, copier mechanic, dishwasher, and anything else they needed a "non-professional" to do. I was still trying to straddle the fence and live a "normal" life while being a musician on the side. I was very unhappy though, because I knew my greatest talents were not being utilized at this time consuming "waste of energy" job. The other legal secretary, being the cheery, bright and helpful mothering type brought in some articles with a couple of stories I’ve never forgotten.

1) The scenario….you walk into a clothing store looking for a sweater. The sales assistant gives you two sweaters to try on. The first one you are handed is way too big, the sleeves drag the ground, the texture is scratchy, and it’s pea green. The second one fits very well, is made of cashmere, and is a nice beige. They cost the same…so which do you buy? No, this isn’t a trick question - you buy the one that fits the best and is the most appealing to you! (hopefully you chose the cashmere ;) ) But, so many people take the life that is handed to them without really choosing the life they want. You will go through both good and bad times throughout your existence, but if you’re following your dream and living the life you want to, the bad times make more sense and are easier to tolerate.

2) There was a traveling man who happened upon a group of people in a field who were breaking up rocks with big hammers. Behind them, in the distance, was a partially built castle. The traveler approached the man nearest him and asked "What are you doing?" The man replied in a grumpy voice, "Can’t you see, I’m breaking up rocks!" The traveler moved on to another man near him and asked "What are you doing?" The second man replied in a bored, yet agitated tone of voice, "Can’t you see, I’m earning my living!", and then he sighed. The traveler then approached a third man and asked the question once more. "What are you doing?", he asked. The third man replied very cheerily, "Can’t you see, I’m building a castle!"

Wow…you know, if we can just remember daily that we’re all building our castles, we could savor life to it’s fullest and enjoy each step along the way. Hang in there! Whatever your goals are, keep persisting! Be good to others, and good things will come your way too. Eventually you’ll discover that you’re living your dreams - the life you’ve chosen for yourself!

Michelle Young