I understand that we are the sum total of our life choices. Given that the past is now a distant memory, the future has not yet arrived, we have the present and that’s why it is truly a “gift.” In this present moment . . . are you a success or a failure given the choices that were made? Success may be defined in terms of achievement, accomplishment, wealth, fame, position, celebrity etc., while failure is perceived as lacking success, nonperformance, and in some instances . . . ceasing to function. What is important, what then is the priority in our lives? Failure often gives us the opportunity to change, and moving forward we often learn a great deal more about ourselves than we ever imagined. Sometimes it just takes a moment of reflection to understand where we are. Winston Churchill said it in a very succinct way, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Have we truly listened to what resonates within the deepest corners of our mind, heart and spirit? The answer is in the knowing, and for each of us that “courage” takes on a unique mantle . . . all we need do is take that initial step as we “soldier on.” JLR
