Three Defining Words

-“He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.” Lao Tzu

It was always me vs the world / Until I found it's me vs me -Kendrick Lamar

We are honored for great tasks. Tasks that take great effort and the will to overcome lousy odds. Life is not an apple orchard with bountiful fruits. Life is a constant struggle where you must grind and grind for what seems to be the smallest of rewards.

But before you can take on the world you have to know your greatest opponent. And you have to know him/her well. Know what he’s thinking, know where he’s been, know where he’s going, know how he reacts in every imaginable situation. And if you come to know him well, he will be your biggest asset. Of course, I’m talking about one’s own self.

I was called to action in a presentation one day (I forget the presenter and even the subject of discussion), that I should find three words that clearly define me. And then I was to look up and define the words as well. It did not take me long. Once I did this, I pressed further to find why I chose these three words. And so I have; in a collection of favorite quotes.

FEARLESS - lacking fear; I’m not sure when My fearlessness arose. College perhaps. I’ve had many, many, uncomfortable, hard, and sometimes painful times in my life but it is in these times that gave me the confidence that I can thrive under duress. So now, when I sense necessary difficulty, I sprint towards it.

-“Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself.” -FDR

- “Failure seldom stops you. What stops you is the fear of failure.” -Jack Lemmon

Passionate - showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief; Life is full of fun and interesting things to experience. Everything that you do, do it intensely. Laugh hard. Stand in the pouring rain with your arms out. Do something that makes you forget what time it is. Don’t be too cool or too proud. Hug someone you love like it will last forever. Be willing to cry. Play your favorite song too loud. Enjoy being embarrassed. We only have one earthly life. And each earthly moment will never come again.

-“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars; to change the world.” -Harriet Tubman

-“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” -Maya Angelou

-“The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure.” -Christopher McCandless

Determined - having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it; I have dreams. As important as the dreams are, the BELIEF that I can reach those dreams is as important, or more. And ironically, the more people tell me that I can’t or I shouldn’t, the more I want to. The more obstacles I find in my path, the harder I run. And I wont stop.

-“Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” -Michael Jordan

-“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” -Og Mandino

I encourage you, look into yourself. Deep inside the peaks and depths of your being, what three words are there?