We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
When we’re connected to others, we become better people. [Both quotes come from Pausch’s “The Last Lecture” given on September 18, 2007.]
Randy Pausch (1960-2008) was an American educator and professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University. His life was cut short by pancreatic cancer, but he persevered to share his final lecture a few months before his death.
When I rise up, let me rise up joyful like a bird. When I fall, let me fall without regret like a leaf.
The soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all. It is the healer and restorer and resurrector.
Wendell Berry (born 1934) is an American novelist and poet. Much of his writing embraces the goodness of protecting our environment and preserving agriculture’s way of life.
Give yourself an impossible task and solve it–then you’ve got a really good story.
My father was a watchmaker and an inventor. I saw him working in the house every day. The work ethic, I got from him. He worked hard and he never complained about it.
Carl Reiner (1922-2020) was an American actor, comedian, director and producer. He received a total of nine Emmy Awards for his contributions to television entertainment.
Running on this daily treadmill, filling life’s gloomy story
Falling behind in life’s endless race, without much glory
Working Nine to Five, five long days each week
Stumbling through every month, looking bleak
Forgetting when life last paused for any vacation
Punching in, punching out . . . time clock fixation
Heating up life’s pressure cooker, deadlines loom ahead
Hoping the lid doesn’t blow off, propelled into tiny shreds
Watching everyone trying to row in the same boat
Rowing in separate directions, now barely afloat
Refueling the tank, this coffee break no longer helps
Scurrying on empty, might just as well holler a yelp
Taking the elevator to another miserable meeting
Ending up on the wrong floor, no warm greeting
Driving home each night, worn down to a blown-out frazzle
Stopping at the same red traffic light, it no longer dazzles
Racing every day, life delivering this hour’s final, saving grace
Looking left, then right . . . who’s even winning this rat race?
Originally published September, 2020.
You only have one life. You have to spend it doing something that matters.
Because being the right person isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being able to handle whatever life throws at you.
Michael Massimino (born 1962) is a former American astronaut, and is currently a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University. His experience with space travel includes two space shuttle flights in 2002 and 2009.
Remaining honest
Mirror’s objective vision—
Character’s guardrails
Life’s daily balance
Spotlight upon others’ work—
Self-pride takes backseat
Today’s challenges
Actions held accountable—
Tomorrow strengthened
If you don’t want to sink, you better figure out how to swim.
Sometimes you need a little crisis to get your adrenaline flowing and help you realize your potential.
Jeannette Walls (born 1960) is an American author.
Heart’s deepest desire
Overcoming once again—
Triumph shall arrive
Facing challenges
Courage filled with inner fire—
Crossing finish line
Tested by darkness
Searching for light’s renewing strength—
Positive embraced
If you make the customer a promise, make sure you deliver it.
It’s always been my philosophy: Turn the page. If something falls through, turn the page. It’s over with, get used to it, get on with it.
Merv Griffin (1925-2007) was an American television show host and media mogul. His accomplishments included: hosting his own television talk show from 1962-1986, and creation of the television game shows “Jeopardy” in 1964 and “Wheel of Fortune” in 1975.
Another day
Another mountain
Faced with challenges
Finding wisdom’s fountain
Another day
Another unknown
Faced with emptiness
Finding one stepping stone
Another day
Another low tide
Faced with little hope
Finding tomorrow’s guide
Another day
Another question
Faced with mystery
Finding next suggestion
Another day
Another sunrise
Faced with certainty
Finding life’s clearest skies
Big Sky Buckeye 