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Be The Best You That You Can Be: A Moment With Bill Reflection
What Do You Want?
“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”
~ Henry Van Dyke
I am reminded of the movie “The Natural” with Robert Redford. In it he plays baseball great Roy Hobbs, and I am thinking of one scene with Glenn Close where Hobbs says that he could have been the greatest player who ever lived…..and Close says…..”and then what?” And he goes on to explain that then people would stop on the streets when he passed by, and ask for autographs, and lavish him with other forms of praise. And she just smiles a knowing smile and looks off wistfully….and then says….”but you are so good now, Roy.”
I know I’ll never be Harper Lee. I don’t have that kind of literary genius in me. On my best day I can write maybe one or two sentences that would deserve to be in “To Kill A Mockingbird.” One or two sentences….and that’s on my best day. On my mediocre days I couldn’t carry Harper Lee’s notebook without dropping it, let alone write like her.
Nor will I ever write as well as Ernest Hemingway. I might be able to give Mariel Hemingway a run for her money in the writing game, but not so her famous grandfather.
So should I give up? Should I throw in the proverbial towel, lick my literary wounds and slink back to the classroom to once again teach, or possibly fade into retirement and take up lawn bowling or some other age-appropriate activity?
I will never be as great as the legends in this business….but….I can be the best Bill Holland the world has ever known, and on certain days that is pretty darn good.
Speaking of My Teaching Years
Oh the stories I could tell from my eighteen years in the classroom. Let me begin by saying I loved teaching. I was always a bit blown away that they were actually paying me a salary to do something I adored doing. I woke up each day eager to get to “work,” and often times summer vacation seemed cruelly long as I was chomping at the bit to get back to my students.
There were bad moments of course, and many of them related to the angst I saw in my students. Kids start out with such lofty dreams. I’m going to be a pro football player; I’m going to be President; I’m going to fly to the moon and I’m going to be the greatest rock musician who ever lived. Slowly, as reality and awareness of their limitations overcame them, you could see the light of hope flickering in their eyes, growing dimmer and dimmer with each passing year. Many would return years later to visit and tell me about their lives, a recitation of the mundane and an admittance that their dreams had died and they were never going to be “the greatest.”
Is there anything sadder than a dream that has died and a psyche on life-support?
A great feel good story of success
- Don't Stop Believing: The Story of Arnel Pineda and Journey
For all of you struggling with your craft, this story should provide a boost of inspiration. This is a wonderful, true story of determination and following one's dream.
A feel good story of redemption
From the Streets of Manilla
This past weekend as I was enjoying a self-imposed ban on writing, I spent some time watching music videos of Arnel Pineda, the new singer for the rock group Journey. His story is remarkable. By the time he was thirteen he was homeless, a street hustler, singing for nickels and dimes, hooked on drugs and booze, barely surviving. He had been given at birth a remarkable voice; certainly not the greatest voice ever but a remarkable one all the same; he had also been given the determination and spirit of a warrior. Twenty-five years after those street survival days he is world famous and making millions of dollars with one of the greatest rock bands in history.
A remarkable voice but certainly not the greatest of all time…….”use what talents you possess……”
There are seven billion people on this planet and every single damn one of them is unique, a combination of flesh and blood and brainwaves and personality that makes them unlike anyone ever born in the past or ever to be born in the future, a DNA cocktail that will never be duplicated by natural birth.
Each one has talents. Very few are the greatest at anything, but how lacking society would be if only the greatest entertained us? If only the greatest invented for us? If only the greatest produced for us and dreamed for us and explored for us?
I Am Sickened
I am convinced that every single person has a talent. I am convinced that every human being on this planet has a mountain of possibilities, but so many remain at base camp unsure or unwilling to begin the climb to the top, trapped in a catatonic existence of inertia.
Of course life can be difficult. Of course we are inundated with negative experiences and beaten down by challenges seemingly so overwhelming as to offer no hope…..but….to succumb to the negatives is beneath us as human being. Given wings to fly among the immortals, many sit with a pair of scissors and clip their own wings, never to fly again.
And how sad is that?
The solution is not easy but it does exist. Become the best you that you can be! I will never be the greatest writer who ever lived, but I can still be the greatest writer named Bill Holland who ever lived and that is enough for me. By being the best Bill Holland I will have reached my own personal mountaintop and I have to tell you, the view from on high will be spectacular.
Something to think about
- Is That All There Is? A Moment With Bill
The continuing series that looks at life and tries to make sense of it all. Today we take a look at the direction we take with our lives and is it all worth it?
So What Is Holding You Back?
Only you can answer that question, but once you do then the path is cleared and ready for you to traverse it.
I can hear the Naysayers right now…..I DON’T HAVE ANY TALENTS! LIFE IS TOO DIFFICULT! NOBODY BELIEVES IN ME! I DON’T HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM! THE CARDS ARE STACKED AGAINST ME!
And as long as you believe those things then you are a self-fulfilling prophet.
History is littered with stories of average people with above-average determination. History is littered with stories of little people becoming giants. History is littered with people just like you who refused to believe that life was nothing more than a series of unfulfilled dreams and broken promises.
Are you the best that you can be?
So Here Is What I Want You to Do
Sit down right now…right this very damn minute….and write down your talents. What is there about you that makes you unique? What special blend of personality and physical gifts can be used to springboard you into your new life of greatness?
Now ask yourselves what it is that you want out of life. What are your goals and dreams and aspirations….and now make a plan.
The most beautiful homes ever built began with a foundation. From there the walls were framed with studs and the beams were added; the wiring and plumbing followed, and months after that first slab of concrete was poured a showcase home was completed….and so it shall be with you.
I do not want to hear about the difficulties. Overcome them! I do not want to hear about your limitations. Rise above them! I do not want to hear that you are not pretty enough or smart enough or talented enough. All I want to hear is that you have begun travelling down the road to become the best you that you can be.
Are you ready? The past is dead and buried. The future will unfold in time. Today is when it all begins.
Be the best you that you can be, and when that final day comes when the last breath rattles in your throat and the colors begin to fade to gray and then darkness, you will look back to this day as the day of rebirth….and you will smile….and then you will soar as you were meant to do.
2013 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Related
Comments
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Jo, you are a gem and I greatly appreciate you. I have control of my writing destiny. We'll see where I go from here, but I am enjoying the trip. Thank you so much.
Blessings and love to you
bill
I so love the way you get to the heart of things. You are one heck of an Author, an amazing person and I am so proud to consider you a brother. You really give so much of yourself and you set the bar higher each time. Thank you for being you!
Shared, tweet and up she goes..no doubt you will reach higher places! :-) Shalom
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Glimmer...honestly? I was a pretty darn good teacher. :) Thank you!
I bet you were an awesome teacher Bill. Always so inspirational. Awesome hub!
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Doc, I guess it's because genius like Harper Lee only comes along once in a generation....maybe some day I'll approach it, but I have a lot of work to do for that to happen. Thank you for being here once again. You are a gem my friend.
A very good post. Why couldn't you see yourself as the next Harper Lee? Your writing skills are top-notch! This exercise is good. I'm jotting down these questions now as we speak to see what I come up with. Thank you for sharing your knowledge & wisdom with the rest of us. Your hubs are so practical and I always learn something new everytime I read.
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Ann, I hope that granddaughter of yours continues to knock down walls and push herself. Thanks for sharing that perfect example.
Have a great weekend Ann!
Inspirational! I keep telling my oldest grandchild that she can do so many things with her talents and that she should push herself to do her best in all of them - her confidence needs a boost and she is slowly realising that it's up to her. Playing the guitar at her Mum's wedding was a hurdle lately; it was overcome and now she can say 'I did it' rather than 'I wish I'd done it'.
We all need help to push ourselves and you've given that help here on paper. Great! Have a good weekend. Ann
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Pamela, you summed it up perfectly. Thank you and I'm wishing your a positive and uplifting day.
bill
This is an excellent hub that triggers inspiration and most of us I'm sure. We are all unique and have talent we just have to find what we love to do, how we like to write and follow her dream. It was a pleasure to read it a hub that is so positive and uplifting.
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I would too, Deb. I hang with the winners and they hang with me for the same reasons....success breeds success. Thank you my successful friend.
We cannot be like anyone else. We can only be like us, and to be honest, I'd rather see the people that are near me, than some that profess to be something that they are not...
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See you there, John!
ok Bill, thanks
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drbj, you are very kind. I will try to live up to those lofty words of praise.
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John, find me on Facebook (Bill Holland), friend me and I'll do the rest. Thanks!
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Maria, you are such a kind human being. Thank you so much. Blessings will always be coming your way from little old me.
bill
This remarkable piece of writing, Bill, is just one more reason why you are the best and most inspirational hubber on HubPages. You are Hemingway and more in my book. Truly!
Sure Bill, I'd love to join one or more of the Facebook groups you mention. Look forward to an invite.
Bill, this has a firm tone...so encouraging. I felt your hands shaking me by my shoulders. I love the way you say: "a DNA cocktail" and "The past is dead and buried. The future will unfold in time. Today is when it all begins."
Thanks so much for this...thanks!!! Keep your blessings, you are blessing us also.
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John, there are Facebook groups made up of just HP members; it's a great way to get to know other Hubbers and increase your views. Let me know if you want to join those pages and I'll send you an invitation. Glad you are here.
Thanks for the kind welcome Bill. I joined hub pages 3 or 4 years ago, just as a way of putting a couple of poems and an articles online. I think I received five comments altogether at the time and never thought any more about it, very rarely visiting the site. In the last couple of months all that has changed around and now I have a passion to write more, and realize what a hive of information Hub Pages truly is. Facebook eat your heart out, this is my new social community.
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John, thank you for your kind words. Two years ago my wife had to drag me kicking and screaming into HubPages; it turned out to be the best gift she has given me. Best wishes my new friend; I hope you receive as much from this site as I have. :)
Hi Bill,
I have to admit that this is the first of your hubs I have had the pleasure to read, and now I can't wait to read more. this subject is so relevant to me and I have struggled with the question before 'Am I the best I can be?"
Your words inspire and encourage to be the best 'you' can with the resources and talents you have. I think becoming active on Hub Pages is one of the biggest steps I've made in recent times towards becoming the best John Hansen that I can be. I have become part of such a wonderful community. thanks again. Voted up.
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Whidbey, I appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment.
Thank you for the inspiration that is so greatly expressed in this article.....awesome read!!!
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Thank you very much vkwok! Aloha my friend.
Awesome hub.
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DDE, I am a very lucky man to have so many friends. HP has been a wonderful community for me and you are a part of that wonder. Thank you!
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Eddy, I may have to cut back but I have no plans on leaving. This is my writing home. :) Thank you dear and have a great weekend.
love,
billy
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Martin, one can only imagine, but what one imagines is pretty great. :) Thank you!
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Again, Nellieanna, thank you very much. I am humbled.
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Nellieanna, you beautifully stated it. It is never too late to reach for the sky, and how very sad that some people never do try. What a waste.
Thank you so much and have a great weekend.
Be The Best You That You Can Be: A Moment With Bill Reflection you have caught the eye of many readers here and I am so glad to be one of those readers, you know how to keep on tract with all your information. A useful and informative hub.
As always brilliant Billy ;you are such a big part of HubPages so don't ever leave; mind you you don't need me to tell you that as I am sure you are only too well aware of.
Voted up, shared and here's to wishing you a wonderful day my dear friend.
Eddy.
Thank you for this. I am handicapped now.But if you follow me on the internet, I am amazing. Imagine how I was when I was well.
And congratulations to my choice - and many others' - for being voted the Best All-Around Hubber!! Your really are!
I love this, Bill! You're so good at telling it like it is and making it ring true! It's so true throughout!
It truly is exciting to see folks who grab hold and go for it.
It truly is tragic to hear many young folks focusing on their limitations, disgruntled with 'normal' obstacles and - worst - blaming others or circumstances for essentially giving up and turning to deadening escapes from their challenges.
But the good news is that, as long as a person is alive, it's never too late to begin looking UP and beyond limits and DOING what it takes to start becoming all one can be. That's the kink - one has to do something. It doesn't bestow on a person, unless maybe a Mozart. No, even he had to sit down and play the music and make his own standards happen!
In your poll, I could say I am the best I can be, NOW, but am still moving further along to be what I still can be. - Both choices apply.
Going for it may not be as comfortable as resting on one's laurels - or retreating into one's mediocrity, but it's what makes it really LIFE as long as one is alive! Whoo hoo!!
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Very true Faith and a great example of what this article is all about. Thank you for sharing that great story. Hey, I discovered I could write when I was sixty....who would have ever guessed. :)
blessings always
bill
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Bill, thank you very much. I think the world needs more of this type of writing and inspiration...now more than ever before.
Have a great weekend my friend.
Bill, you should be doing motivational speaking. You are a natural at this. And another thing, you are pretty darn good at this writing thing also. We all have talents, we just need to find them. Great job.
Oh, for sure, Bill! Each one us has been blessed with a gift(s) and we are to use them no doubt. Some do not discover what gifts they have until much later in life because they do not try different things out that they might think they would enjoy. I say go for it and try it and find out just what you are good at, and you may be very surprised.
There was a woman who worked in state government her whole life, and it wasn't until her retirement years, way late in life, she discovered she could paint...she is an artist, now known around the world for her paintings of angels.
That is what makes life so wonder, no matter at what age, we are still discovering things about ourselves.
Blessings,
Faith Reaper
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Thank you LK....the friendships I have made here at HP mean the world to me. :)
You know I voted for you as Best All Around Hubber. You never, ever disappoint!
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Always a pleasure, Dianna! Thank you so much!
After reading this, I am ready to march forth! Thanks for the pep talk and the truth told, bold and forthright.
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Thanks Kathryn. I've actually written more but I deleted some for other uses....but thank you very much.
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Thank you Brandi. Believe it or not I've slowed my pace from the first year. LOL I'm glad we have become writing friends and I appreciate you very much.
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Kathryn, I know how hectic your life is right now. It says a lot about you as a person that you would take the time to read my articles. Thank you so much. Sending you a hug from across the country.
600?! Wow, I didn't notice this was a milestone hub. Congrats, that is a lot of articles.
Honestly Billy, I can't think of a better Hub for your 600th Hub! Congratulations on that milestone and a round of applause for this Hub.
My friend,
I don't have much time to read hubs right now, but I saw yours and decided it would be very good for me to read! You are always so good with reading my hubs when they come out, too. You are so supportive and uplifting, all around!
This is great. It's good to aspire to be the best that we can be, and use our unique talents and skills. I am bookmarking this.
Voted up and sharing all over the place!
Have a wonderful day.
~ Kathryn
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Thank you for sharing it, Dahlia, and for always being here. You are a true friend and I greatly appreciate you.
hugs and blessings are yours
bill
Thank you so much for this inspiring hub Bill. I am glad that you shared this with us.
Have a lovely day my friend.
Blessings and smiles coming your way :-)
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Jaye, that is wonderful news. I love your statement that you have no doubt in your writing abilities and that you are a good one. I feel the same way; I don't know what the future holds but I know I'm good enough to make it if I am willing to put in the work....and I am willing.
Best wishes on that job; I hope it works out for you as you deserve in many times over, and thank you so much for your kind words about the award.
bill
Hi, Bill - First of all, congratulations for earning the Best All-around Hubber Award for 2013. You certainly deserve the honor, and it speaks to your constant determination and work to become the best at what you do. The fact that you are an inspiration to your 1,668 followers is icing on the cake. We all benefit from your talent through your inspirational hubs.
This is another of your excellent hubs telling us that we indeed have what it takes to succeed. We only have to accept that thought as fact and work as though we believe it 100% every day. I may be over-confident, but I have no doubts in my writing ability and consider myself a good one. Now I have only to convince others of that fact, so "selling" my ability is the skill I need to improve. With your guidance, I'm confident I will become better at this aspect of the writing business.
You may laugh when I report that I just spoke to a former HR colleague and got her blessing to apply for a job (senior copywriter) she posted yesterday. I told her that, at 70, I have no wish to commute to work in an office daily, but am willing to telecommute--work at home--and go to the office for weekly (or even biweekly) meetings.
I'm aware that even though I've already proved my ability to this company, their track record for allowing telecommuting is almost non-existent, and they may very likely choose not to hire me.
However, I have a backup proposal ready in the event that is the result of my application. If not accepted as a regular employee, I will propose to do freelance copywriting for the company until they fill the position and, after that, pick up overflow work...also freelance. By the way, this job opening came to my attention when I clicked on one of your links!
Whichever way this situation plays out, including the possibility the powers-that-be at my former company will decide not to avail themselves of my writing talents in any capacity, it will not have an adverse effect on my self-confidence or assurance in my ability. I will only think, "Their loss."
Again...congratulations for your Hubbie Award.
Voted Up++++
Jaye
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DJ, there are endless days when we only have ourselves as cheerleaders. There is nothing easy about trying to make it in writing....but if you love it, which you and I do, then it is all worth it.
Thank you my dear friend. You are a gem.
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Marlene, thank you! I don't know how good I am. :) That's being honest. This writing game is a tough one psychologically because it's just me and the computer day in and day out....the rewards are few and there are days it looks like there will never be a payback for all the work. And then I get a comment like this one and I realize I'm on the right track. You have given me a huge gift this morning. Thank you sincerely my friend.
Another super article, Bill.
You put your all into each piece that you give to us.
It is amazing how you believe in yourself and those of us
still searching.
"Don't Stop Believing............"
Many thanks,
DJ.
It looks like I need to get on a plane and head on out to Olympia so I can bop someone on the head. Bill... You're too modest. You are every bit as talented as those famous writers. The only difference between Hemingway and you is fame. One of the reasons I voted for you to win the award (by the way, congratulations) was because I know that the more people hear your name, the more famous you will be. I believe there will come a day when people will be mentioning Bill Holland in the same context as the Hemingways. You're that good. You just haven't realized it yet. I wouldn't lie to you Bill.
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Denise, thank you so much. I really am speechless about the award, but I am truly grateful to all who voted for me, and I am especially grateful to be a member of this community. Best wishes to you and thank you so much.
Congratulations on your award, Bill! I love to read your articles. I can visualize what you are saying in my mind. The phrase about clipping our own wings was especially poignant to me. I think that I have finally stopped doing that, thanks to inspiration from you!
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Mary, I know all about grey days....we just have to fight through them and continue the course my friend. Thank you for your kind words....love the quote by Roosevelt. Thank you!
“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
Every word you write drips with honesty and enthusiasm. I always believed (and told my children) "do your best, don't worry about anyone else's)...it takes us so long to learn. I love how you said you are the best Bill Holland! So very right and we are fortunate you share that with us. This was a great pep talk for me on a grey day!
Voted up, useful, awesome, interesting, and shared.
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Glad I could be of assistance, Sha! These postings are as much for me as anyone out there. There are days I wonder why I'm wasting my time with this writing crap....I'm no good, never will be...that sort of silliness. Well, compared to Hemingway no, I'm no good....but.....I can be a better me and that's what I shoot for daily.
love,
bill
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Sally, you stole nothing. I appreciate your story very much, and I certainly hope that the old saying is wrong this time. :)
You always know just what to say and when to say it, Bill. My next blog post is going to deal with signs you are falling into a funk. It takes reflection to write on a topic like that. Sometimes I find myself in a funk and then you come along and tell me (and everyone who reads) just how much I really have going for myself.
If you spend your time comparing yourself to others, that can only lead to a sense of defeat that becomes heavy with uncertainty and self-doubt. No two people are the same. As you say, we all have talents that are unique to who we are. Those are the aspects that need to be nurtured and polished until they shine for all to see. We're not here to please everyone. We are here to be the best we can be and offer what we have where it is needed.
Thanx for the ray of sunshine; it was much needed my friend.
billybuc - you are too kind and my apologies - sometimes I go off the tack and I certainly did not mean to steal your thunder - and yes it is cool that he worked out the day of my birth - except - don't they say Tuesday's child is full of woe? Oh dear!!!!
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Liz, yes, he was in Vegas a couple years ago.....what a great talent......but then, we all have great talents. What a shame it would be if we did not use ours. :) Thank you so much for always being here.
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And how cool is that, Sally? :)
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Sally, isn't that remarkable? Wow, what a story and experience. Thank you so much for sharing that with us....your story is better than my article. :)
Blessings to you my friend
bill
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Janine, it's a scary thing starting your own business, or taking on any new project that might better us...well done my friend and thank you.
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and thank you, Randi! :)
Such an inspirational and much-needed hub, Bill. As I always say, keep 'em coming. These are the types of hubs that I never ever grow tired of. And yes, the singer of Journey is amazing. They've always been a great band-back with Steve Perry- and still are now. Saw the new singer in concert a few years back- wonderful!
By the way Billy, I checked, he was right, I was born on a Tuesday
&billybuc - for one moment I thought you had nicked my words - for this is what I always told my children - that everyone has a talent - including them. If one of them were unkind about someone, I would say, yes, but have you see how well he draws or how talented he is at swimming or tennis?
Last week I was with a middle aged man who was born with Downs Syndrome. I never met him before but in less than a few minutes, he had worked out in less than two seconds, the day of my birth which I have never known before, from my day and date of birth- I still need to check to see if he was right but I could see even then that in spite of his having being born with Downs, inside he has a brain which stores information just like a computer!. Seriously I was more than impressed.
You are so right Billy, we all have talent and we just have to work out how to use it. This one talked to me - thanks Billy
I loved this Bill and I did this exact thing when I was deciding to start J( Designs. I seriously knew I could do it and just needed to put my mind to it and be all the best I could for myself and my clients, too. Thanks so much for the pep talk here and once again couldn't agree more!
"Beautiful sunsets formed by satisfaction".....Perfect! Thank you!
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Joe, I am honored....humbled....and unable to find the words. Praise does not come easy for me my friend, but I know you to be an honest man and so I thank you without any qualifications.
Aloha my friend
bill
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Eric, I'm pointing at you...get your butt in the game and let's kick some ass. :) Thanks for the smiles buddy.
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Kim, blessings to you my friend and thank you so much for your kind words.
In the movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness," there is a scene shortly after he has been told that he's been hired by a corporate firm where the protagonist is in complete shock as he makes his way outside. After all the many struggles, rife with setbacks, angst, and pain, this...this...this is his moment of triumph.
I was so deeply moved by that no-dialogue scene. It was a moment commemorating Everyman's magnificent breakthrough--emerging from the dung heap and finally grasping a toehold on life!
I felt that way just now while reading your magnificent hub.
To and for you, Bill,
I'm forever thankful, acknowledged, emerging, and filled with aloha!
~Joe
Put me in coach!! That just got me ready to play. Chose me! I want to give it my best shot. I am on fire with inspiration --- thanks buddy, just what I needed. We are cookin with gas now.
Bill,
Such an inspirational and uplifting hub! I do not see how anyone could not come away without feeling encouraged. That makes you an even more special Bill Holland.
Blessings my friend,
Kim
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