Speedy Gambling

“Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.”

(Mark Twain)

Safe is a word that many people use every single day. Safe is also a place where everyone wants to be. We are then secure and nothing will hurt us. The truth is that while nothing will hurt us, we are hurting ourselves.

Going out on a limb as Mark Twain so aptly put it can be stressful. There may be dangers lurking in the corners and we might stumble and fall. Yes, these possibilities do exist. It does not mean that they are inevitable and guaranteed to happen.

If we stand still, we give way to turning into stone. Apathy takes over our lives and we find ourselves in a self-imposed prison with bars of failure. Not trying constitutes never knowing if you could. If you are a writer and you don’t put your ideas down on paper, you will never experience the thrill of having people take your words and make them a part of their lives. If you are a mechanic, not going out on a limb will never give you the feeling of accomplishment in knowing that you solved the problem, you found the source, and you helped someone. All jobs and careers involve the possibility of advancement, increased knowledge, and the ability to reach out and make a difference in the lives of other people.

The fruit at the end of that limb may be a new friendship, the learning of a new skill or technique, and even the wonderful warm feeling of having done a good day’s work for a day’s pay. When you serve that order in a fast-food restaurant, even if your efforts are not readily appreciated, you know that this person was treated in a very pleasant and helpful way. You did what you could do, and hopefully, they will go on to do something nice to someone else. You started the chain reaction or you kept it going. Either way you did not stand still, you did not stagnate, and you made a difference.

Your words, your actions, and your attitude will be evident to everyone around you. There is always the possibility that someone you think is out of hearing distance or is just not paying any attention does take note of you. Don’t risk the chance that they just may need to hear a person that takes life and makes the most of it. This hope of knowing that one person out there is not going to let the world get them down may just be the push they need to keep on trying, and not quitting.

As an author, when you tell your story or relate your feelings, or even report on an event, it’s the way you present what you are writing and in essence, it is sharing yourself with others.

Whether you do write, or paint, or work in a factory, you are what the world will see today. Go out on the limb. Don’t let a single day go by that you don’t give your world all the strength you can muster, and the ability to know that you are reaching for that fruit at the end of your limb. Maybe, and you may never really know, you helped someone start climbing their own tree and even reach that prize that at first seemed so far out of reach.
Believe in yourself, reach out for new heights, and give only the best example of what a person can do with the life they are given. You will reach people, you will touch hearts, and you may just be the one person that makes a difference to another between closing that prison door of self-imposed failure or opening a window and breathing in the fresh air.

Whatever you do in life is never self-contained. Every action is like a pebble that is thrown in the water. The ripples grow larger and larger. Your actions or attempts at living the best life you can will have that same effect in the world. If you don’t throw in your stone, then that ripple may not reach the one person where only you can make a difference. Don’t let this tragedy happen. Give of yourself to whatever you undertake so that others may grow. Your own harvest will just be that much sweeter.

©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May

Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, e-books, and the novel: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.rusticliving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving
http://www.topica.com/lists/simpleliving

For 50 years the daily comic strip ‘Peanuts’ entertained millions of readers. Every day, the adventures of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and the whole gang provided many laugh-out-loud moments while at the same time offering a daily inspiration and lessons on life.

With the recent death of ‘Peanuts’ creator Charles Schulz, I reflect on how much I enjoyed sharing the adventures of the ‘Peanuts’ gang and I remember the many lessons they taught me…

1. It’s okay to be afraid… just don’t let your fears control you. Charlie Brown often sat in bed and spoke of his fears, but no matter how scared he was, he always did the things he wanted to do.

2. Persistence wins out. Charlie Brown often lost, failed at much, but he never gave up. Even though he knew Lucy was going to pull the football away before he could kick it…. Even though he knew the tree was going to eat his kite… Even though he knew his team would lose the ball game, he kept on trying.

3. It’s what you think of yourself that counts. Linus carried a security blanket for years and his friends laughed at him. They also laughed at him because he believed in the “Great Pumpkin.” Pigpen was a walking cloud of dust and dirt and was often regarded unkindly. Both characters, however, were always proud of themselves and believed they were as good as anybody else — and they were right.

4. Sometimes you need to talk. One thing the ‘Peanuts’ gang understood was the importance of talking things out. Whether leaning up against Schroeder’s piano or atop the brick wall, they always had someplace to discuss what was of concern to them.

5. Sometimes you need to listen. Even crabby, self-indulged Lucy knew the importance of listening. She started the famous ‘Psychiatry Booth’ where any and all could come and be heard.

6. Do what you love to do. Through all their adventures, Schroeder remained constant in his appreciation of Beethoven and his love of playing the piano. He loved to play piano and that’s what he did, regardless of the circumstances. Charlie Brown flew his kite, played baseball and football, not just to win (he knew he wouldn’t), but because he loved to do those things.

7. It’s important to have friends that care. The ‘Peanuts’ gang was made up of individual characters, each with their own foibles and talents, but through it all they were always there for each other.

8. Big dreams lead to big things. Snoopy was the biggest dreamer of them all, but his wild imagination often led to even wilder, more fantastic adventures in real life. Snoopy knew that you must have a big dream if you are going to lead a big life.

9. Action creates reality. As Charlie Brown was reminded time and again after prodding from Linus: it takes action to bring about change. Though he often failed, Chuck took action quite regularly… and every now and again things would go his way.

10. Laugh every day! While the kids themselves may not have seen the humor in the things they did, Schulz made sure that we did. Life is only as serious or as humorous as YOU make it.

Lighten up. Go play softball. Fly a kite. Dance with your dog. Smile… it makes people wonder what you’re up to.

Jim Allen is a professional life & business coach. For more ideas, subscribe to his free bi-weekly ezine, THE BIG IDEA, by sending a blank email to: SubscribeGA@CoachJim.com

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