Dear readers: As we approach the end of another year, I wanted to drop by and share my thoughts with you and for this year I’d like to use some words of wisdom that were sent to me by a very special lady; Denise Sanders and she did this when I was president of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians.
Here goes:
“In every journey there is meaning.
In every conflict, there is growth.
In every action, there is purpose.
In every moment of doubt,
Remember to believe!”
Very strong words sent to me by a very powerful lady and these are ones that I shall treasure always.
2017 was no different when it came to my continuing to listen, learn, understand, persevere, and decide.
It was a year that was punctuated by making an extra effort to use my patience and to reach out to others in efforts to assist and see things from their points of view.
There were instances and circumstances that greatly saddened and disappointed me but at the same time they were ones where there was no alternative but to accept and move on. It saddened me to see that there were those who chose to deliberately destroy rather than to collaborate and cooperate. However, on the flip side of the coin, there were those who continued to work tirelessly for the betterment of others.
I know that we are living in a world of challenges and imperfections but it is not going to hinder me from continuing to lead by example; through more passion and compassion, patience and tolerance, and understanding, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Above all, through selflessness rather than selfishness.
Sometimes it is easier to stay silent rather than speak up but what good could come from continuing to ignore as opposed to raising our voices in constructive criticism? We cannot make things better if we continue to be a part of the problem rather than being part of the solution! We are here today because others before us took action and now we need to do our part in order to leave some sort of legacy to future generations.
These are the things that I personally believe in and will continue to believe for as long as I live. I thank God for having continued to smile upon me! I live in one of the best countries in the world, Canada! I have access to fresh running water, a roof over my head, a nice warm bed, fresh food, and evolving technology! These are the things that so many of us take for granted but let us not forget that there are still too many persons in all corners of the world that are still unable to claim these as their rights! It is still a luxury for them!
I thank God for my wonderful friends and family! For my fortunate circumstances and for good health and happiness! I will continue to do my best to reach out to the less fortunate and to pass on my life’s lessons to anyone who asks.
Finally, two of my favorite quotations:
“Ask not what your country can do for you! Ask what you can do for your country” President John F. Kennedy.
“Never give in! Never give up! Never! Never! Never!” Prince Harry.
Happy 2018 to everyone!